Punjab Enforces Statewide Ban on Toxic Coldrif Syrup After Tragic Child Deaths

In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding public health, the Punjab government has issued an immediate and comprehensive ban on the sale and purchase of 'Coldrif' syrup, manufactured by Himachal Pradesh-based Digital Vision. This urgent action comes in the wake of a devastating tragedy: the deaths of 15 innocent children, primarily under the age of five, across Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh, all linked to the consumption of the allegedly adulterated cough syrup.

The alarming fatalities sent shockwaves through the nation, revealing a sinister contamination.

Investigations have uncovered the presence of highly toxic industrial chemicals—diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG)—within the syrup. These dangerous compounds, often used as solvents or antifreeze, are potent poisons that can cause severe organ damage, particularly to the kidneys, leading to acute kidney injury and, tragically, death, especially in vulnerable young children.

The harrowing reports detailed how children who consumed the 'Coldrif' syrup developed critical health complications, ultimately succumbing to acute kidney failure.

The gravity of the situation prompted the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to issue a nationwide alert to all states and union territories, urging vigilance and immediate action against the suspected contaminated batch.

Responding with urgency, Punjab's Food and Drug Administration, under the directive of Commissioner Rahul Gupta, has ordered all drug control officers to ensure strict enforcement of the ban.

Pharmacists, distributors, and retailers across the state have been instructed to immediately cease all sales of 'Coldrif' syrup and to quarantine any existing stock. Furthermore, samples of the suspect syrup have been seized and dispatched for rigorous laboratory testing to confirm the extent of contamination and aid ongoing investigations.

This tragic incident underscores a critical need for stringent oversight within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

The loss of young lives serves as a grim reminder of the profound dangers posed by adulterated medicines and the imperative for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent such catastrophes. Authorities are working tirelessly to trace the supply chain, identify those responsible for the manufacturing and distribution of the toxic syrup, and bring them to justice, ensuring that such a heart-wrenching public health crisis is never repeated.

Parents and caregivers are advised to exercise extreme caution and consult healthcare professionals before administering any over-the-counter medications to children, particularly cough syrups.

The focus remains on protecting the most vulnerable and restoring public trust in essential medicines.