Urgent Health Alert: Tamil Nadu Warns Against Deadly Coldrif Syrup Contamination

A critical alarm has been raised across Tamil Nadu as health authorities issue an urgent, life-saving warning against the use of 'Coldrif syrup'. This isn't just another product recall; it's a stark alert about a potential deadly contaminant lurking within a common medication. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), a highly toxic chemical, in batches of the syrup, posing a severe and immediate threat to public health.

The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has moved swiftly, urging citizens to immediately cease using any Coldrif syrup they may possess.

The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated: diethylene glycol is a dangerous substance that, when ingested, can lead to devastating health consequences, including acute kidney injury, neurological damage, and in tragic cases, death. This is the same toxic compound that has been linked to numerous poisoning incidents globally and within India in recent years, casting a shadow of profound concern over drug safety.

The alarming discovery was made by the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Kolkata, which identified the deadly compound in samples of Coldrif syrup, specifically from Batch No.

MAN/COLD/22/C-2070. Following this irrefutable evidence, the Tamil Nadu regulator acted decisively, not only issuing a widespread public warning but also initiating an immediate and extensive recall of all affected batches from pharmacies and medical facilities across the state. This proactive measure aims to remove the dangerous product from circulation before it can cause further harm.

Further investigations revealed that Coldrif syrup is manufactured by M/s Maan Pharmaceuticals, based in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department has already taken stringent action against the manufacturer, ensuring that accountability is upheld in this serious breach of public trust and safety. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of rigorous quality control and the devastating consequences when pharmaceutical standards are compromised.

The history of diethylene glycol contamination in drug products in India is unfortunately not new.

Past incidents, such as those in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, have resulted in tragic fatalities, primarily among children. These heartbreaking events underscore the urgent need for constant vigilance and stringent regulatory oversight to prevent such preventable deaths. The current warning in Tamil Nadu is a direct effort to prevent a similar tragedy from unfolding.

Authorities are appealing to the public for cooperation.

If you or anyone you know has Coldrif syrup, especially from the identified batch, it is imperative to dispose of it safely or return it to the point of purchase. Do not consume it under any circumstances. Public safety remains the paramount concern, and this urgent warning is a call to action for every citizen to stay informed, exercise caution, and prioritize their health above all else.

The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department assures the public that they are working tirelessly to ensure all contaminated products are removed and that such incidents are prevented in the future.