Report by Mukesh Gairola | Editor
Lucknow – Following alarming reports of child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrup in some states, the Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up vigilance to curb the sale and distribution of adulterated medicines.
The state’s Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has issued strict directives to all drug inspectors to collect samples of cough syrups from medical stores and hospitals across districts and send them for immediate laboratory testing.
According to a report from the Adhishasan Pradhikaran (Regulatory Authority) in Madhya Pradesh, samples of “Coldrif Syrup”, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, were found to contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a highly toxic chemical that can cause severe poisoning, especially in children.
The Assistant Commissioner of the FSDA has instructed all pharmaceutical vendors and hospital pharmacies to cooperate fully and submit detailed reports of syrup stocks. Any product found contaminated will trigger strict legal and penal action against the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer involved.
The administration is also compiling an online database via Google Sheets to avoid duplicate sampling and ensure statewide tracking of the affected brands. District laboratories have been directed to prioritize the testing of cough syrups and their raw ingredients, including Propylene Glycol, to rule out any possible adulteration.
Public health officials have urged citizens to be cautious while purchasing or administering cough syrups and to use only medicines verified by licensed pharmacists.
This incident serves as a serious warning regarding drug safety standards, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to initiate strong preventive and enforcement measures to protect children’s health.
