In a devastating incident in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, the lives of nine children were tragically lost after consuming Coldrif Cough Syrup. In response to this alarming incident, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mohan Yadav, has announced a statewide ban on the sale of Coldrif Cough Syrup and all other products manufactured by the company responsible for the syrup. This action follows an immediate investigation by the state government into the products of the manufacturing company. The incident has left the entire state in shock, highlighting serious concerns about the safety of pharmaceutical products.
CM Mohan Yadav’s Firm Stand on Coldrif Cough Syrup
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav addressed the matter with deep concern, calling the deaths of the children in Chhindwara extremely tragic. He declared that the sale of Coldrif Cough Syrup had been banned across Madhya Pradesh. He further added that other products manufactured by the company would also face a ban. The production of this particular cough syrup takes place at a factory in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. After the tragic deaths, the state government immediately reached out to the Tamil Nadu government to begin an investigation into the factory and its products.
CM Yadav explained that upon learning about the incident, the state government had sought a thorough investigation from Tamil Nadu’s authorities. The investigation report was received on the morning of October 4, 2025, and based on this report, strict action was taken by the Madhya Pradesh government.
Investigation at the Local and State Levels
The local authorities in Chhindwara, where the incident occurred, had already begun their investigation, but after receiving the report from the Tamil Nadu authorities, the state government also formed a special team for a comprehensive inquiry into the matter. The Chief Minister stressed that no one involved in this tragic event would be spared and that justice would be served.
He mentioned that the investigation would not only focus on the manufacturing process of Coldrif but also evaluate the overall safety standards of the company involved in producing the cough syrup and other related products. The government has assured the public that the guilty parties will be held accountable, and no stone will be left unturned in this case.
DEG Levels Above Permissible Limits
The investigation also revealed concerning findings regarding the composition of Coldrif Cough Syrup. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) tested six samples of Coldrif Cough Syrup, which did not show the presence of DEG (Diethylene Glycol) or EG (Ethylene Glycol). However, further tests conducted by the Madhya Pradesh FDA on 13 samples of Coldrif Syrup indicated that three of the samples contained higher-than-permissible levels of DEG.
On October 3, 2025, a report from the Tamil Nadu FDA revealed that samples of Coldrif Syrup from the Kanchipuram-based Sresan Pharma factory contained DEG levels beyond the acceptable limit. This discovery raised further alarms about the safety and quality control mechanisms at the manufacturing plant.
Nationwide Investigation and Testing of Pharmaceutical Products
In response to the severity of the issue, investigations have now been launched across multiple states. A comprehensive “Risk-Based Inspection” initiative has been started at 19 drug manufacturing sites across the country. This nationwide inspection aims to ensure that no substandard or dangerous products are being distributed and sold to the public.
Experts from various renowned institutions such as the National Institute of Virology (NIV), the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), NEERI, CDSCO, and specialists from AIIMS Nagpur have joined the investigation. These experts have been deployed to Chhindwara and surrounding areas to identify the real causes behind the deaths of the children. The multidisciplinary team is working diligently to uncover the reasons behind the tragedy and ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future.
Impact on Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practices
The tragic incident in Chhindwara has raised serious concerns regarding the quality control and safety measures in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The event has put a spotlight on the practices followed by pharmaceutical companies in ensuring the safety of their products before they reach the market.
The ongoing investigation at both the state and national levels is likely to lead to further revelations. The government has committed to taking stringent actions against any company found violating safety standards and regulations. The public outcry over the deaths of the children has highlighted the urgent need for stricter regulations and better monitoring of pharmaceutical companies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Repercussions on the Pharmaceutical Industry
This incident is not only a wake-up call for the pharmaceutical industry in India but also serves as a reminder of the critical role that regulators and government authorities play in ensuring public health and safety. The state and central governments have made it clear that they are committed to holding companies accountable for their actions, particularly when the lives of innocent children are at stake.
As the investigation continues, there are growing calls for tighter regulations and more rigorous testing of over-the-counter medicines, especially those that are easily accessible to the public. The tragic loss of young lives has intensified the debate over the safety standards in the pharmaceutical industry and how regulatory bodies can better monitor and enforce these standards.
The ban on Coldrif Cough Syrup in Madhya Pradesh is just the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy investigation into the practices of pharmaceutical companies that manufacture such products. The tragic deaths of nine children have brought to light the serious risks associated with certain medications and the importance of strict quality control measures.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s swift action reflects the seriousness with which the Madhya Pradesh government is treating the issue. The state’s commitment to investigating the root cause of the problem and holding those responsible accountable is a step in the right direction. It is now crucial that both the state and central governments work together to ensure that all pharmaceutical products are subject to rigorous safety standards, and that such incidents do not happen again.
As investigations continue across various states, it is clear that the pharmaceutical industry must undergo a major overhaul in terms of quality control and regulation. The public’s demand for accountability is growing louder, and it is essential that the industry responds with greater transparency and responsibility to prevent future tragedies.
