• By Akansha Pandey
  • Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:15 PM (IST)
  • Source:Jagran News Network
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The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the sale, distribution, and storage of 'Coldrif' and similar cough syrups following reports of child deaths in another state. The Delhi Drugs Control Department has issued an order making Diethylene Glycol (DEG) testing mandatory for all cough syrup manufacturers and has launched a massive city-wide inspection campaign.

Wholesalers and retailers have been directed to submit details of their existing stock to authorities within twenty-four hours.

The government has clarified that this decisive action is to protect public health, and toxic syrups will not be tolerated in the market under any circumstances.

Trigger For The Ban

This step was taken in response to the deaths of 14 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. An investigation revealed that a syrup manufactured by Srisain Pharmaceuticals of Tamil Nadu contained a lethal 46.28 per cent of Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a highly toxic industrial chemical. Following the lab report from Bhopal, Drugs Controller Sanjeev Kumar and Deputy Drugs Controller KR Chawla issued the immediate ban.

Inspection Drive And Scale Of The Problem

A survey and seizure campaign is underway from October 6 to 10. More than 20 teams—comprising drug inspectors, local administration, and police officials—are inspecting wholesale and retail pharmacies to find and remove any suspicious cough syrups from the market. A detailed report will be submitted to the Health Minister and the Chief Secretary.

According to the Delhi Drugs Control Department:

  • 11 companies in Delhi manufacture 'Coldrif' and similar cough syrups.
  • Between 6,000 and 7,000 bottles (100 ml) were sold daily in the city.
  • Officials estimate that over 100,000 bottles of these potentially contaminated syrups are currently in storage and distribution, which the teams are now searching for.

What Is Diethylene Glycol (DEG)?

DEG is an industrial chemical commonly used in antifreeze and brake fluid. It is sometimes illegally used in medicines as a cheap solvent, but it is extremely toxic to humans. Ingestion can cause kidney failure, neurological damage, and, in many cases, death. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), DEG-contaminated syrups have been linked to the deaths of over 300 children globally since 2022.

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Official Advisory And Advice For Parents

The Delhi government has issued a strict advisory with the following directives:

  • 'Coldrif' syrup and similar products must be immediately removed from the market.
  • Manufacturers must not release any syrup for sale without a lab report confirming it is free of DEG.
  • All retailers and wholesalers must provide stock information to their respective drug inspectors within 24 hours.

The Drugs Control Department has also issued crucial advice for parents:

  • Do not give any syrup to children without a doctor's advice.
  • If you see 'Coldrif' syrup for sale, immediately inform the police, the helpline number 1031, or a local drug inspector.

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