Mumbai: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent advisory asking the public to immediately halt the sale or use of a specific batch of Coldrif syrup following reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan allegedly linked to the medicine.
Earlier, Tamil Nadu’s drug control authorities, in a report dated October 2, identified Coldrif syrup (Batch No. SR-13; Mfg: May 2025; Exp: April 2027) manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Kancheepuram, as adulterated. Laboratory tests revealed the presence of diethylene glycol (48.6% w/v), a toxic substance that can pose serious health risks.
So far, 14 child deaths have been reported in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, suspected to be caused by renal failure after consuming the syrup. The Maharashtra FDA has advised the public to remain cautious and immediately report any possession of Coldrif Syrup Batch No. SR-13 to the nearest Drugs Control Authority.
Officials confirmed that they are coordinating with the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Administration to trace the distribution of the contaminated batch in Maharashtra. All drug inspectors and assistant commissioners have been instructed to alert retailers, wholesalers, and hospitals to freeze any available stock of the syrup without delay.
The FDA emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to protect public health and prevent further risk to life. The syrup, containing Phenylephrine Hydrochloride and Chlorpheniramine Maleate, was produced at Sresan Pharma’s facility in Sunguvarchathram, Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu.
