Contamination in Coldrif cough syrup manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals has led to child deaths in Madhya Pradesh, prompting Tamil Nadu to suspend two senior drug inspectors and shut down the plant after detecting toxic diethylene glycol.
By Qalam Times News Network
Chennai, October 9, 2025
Contamination Detected in Coldrif Cough Syrup
Contamination in the Coldrif brand cough syrup has led to the suspension of two senior drug inspectors in Tamil Nadu after they allegedly failed to conduct mandatory quality checks at Sresan Pharmaceuticals over the past two years. The action follows reports from Madhya Pradesh linking the syrup, manufactured at the company’s unit in Sunguvarchathiram, Kancheepuram district, to the deaths of several children.
Toxic Substance Found After Inspection
In response to a caution from Madhya Pradesh authorities on October 1, Tamil Nadu’s Drugs Control Department launched an urgent inspection. Tests conducted at the Government Drugs Testing Laboratory in Chennai revealed batch number SR-13 of the syrup to be substandard, with contamination from diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic chemical known to cause severe health complications. While initial tests in Madhya Pradesh and by the Union Health Ministry showed no problems, Tamil Nadu officials were the first to confirm the contamination.
Immediate Action and Arrest
Following these findings, a Stop Production Order was issued on October 3, coupled with a closure directive to Sresan Pharmaceuticals. On October 7, a criminal notice was served to the facility’s owner, who was later arrested. He is to be taken to the manufacturing site for an official inquiry into how the contamination occurred, with the possibility of a permanent shutdown and licence cancellation within three days depending on his explanation.
Accountability for Negligence
Health Minister Ma. Subramanian stated that the suspended inspectors had failed to provide adequate oversight and routine quality monitoring. He stressed that Tamil Nadu’s rapid detection and communication with authorities in other States, including Odisha and Puducherry, helped prevent further tragedies. He added that Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation had never procured the syrup and that retail sales had now been halted statewide.
