Maharashtra Assures Safety: No Coldrif Syrup Found in State

In a significant development that brings immense relief to parents and citizens across Maharashtra, the state's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a categorical assurance: the controversial Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Marion Biotech and linked to tragic child deaths in Uzbekistan, has not been supplied or sold anywhere within Maharashtra.

The announcement comes after a swift and comprehensive investigation launched by the Maharashtra FDA, following an alert from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

The DCGI had flagged the syrup after reports emerged from Uzbekistan alleging the deaths of 18 children, attributed to the consumption of Coldrif syrup, which was found to contain diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, toxic contaminants.

Reacting promptly to the national directive, the Maharashtra FDA initiated a thorough statewide survey.

Teams meticulously inspected manufacturing units, wholesale distributors, and retail pharmacies across Maharashtra. The objective was clear: to ascertain if any stock of Coldrif syrup had entered the state's pharmaceutical supply chain. The findings are reassuring: "We conducted a survey in Maharashtra after the DCGI issued an alert regarding the syrup.

No stock of the Coldrif syrup was found either with manufacturers, wholesalers, or retailers across the state," stated a senior FDA official.

This proactive stance by the Maharashtra FDA underscores its unwavering commitment to public health and safety. While other products manufactured by Marion Biotech might potentially be available in the market, the specific concern revolved around Coldrif syrup, and its absence from Maharashtra's supply chain is a crucial safeguard for its residents.

The international incident involving Marion Biotech is not an isolated one.

Previously, in a similar case, four children died in Gambia after consuming cough syrup manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceuticals of Haryana, prompting a global alert from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and an inquiry by the Union Health Ministry. These incidents highlight the critical importance of stringent drug regulation and vigilant monitoring.

Maharashtra FDA has made it clear that while no Coldrif syrup has been found so far, their surveillance will continue.

"If any stock of the Coldrif syrup is found in Maharashtra, then the FDA will immediately take action against the seller or the manufacturer," an official affirmed. This ongoing vigilance ensures that the public can have confidence in the medicines available in the state.

For the citizens of Maharashtra, this news is a welcome relief, confirming that robust regulatory mechanisms are actively working to protect them from potentially harmful pharmaceutical products, ensuring peace of mind for families throughout the state.