**11 Children’s Deaths: Drug Watchdog Urges Strict Action Against Coldrif**
*By Snehil Singh | Oct 05, 2025, 11:11 am*
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is gearing up to take stringent action against the manufacturers of Coldrif syrup following the tragic deaths of 11 children, allegedly due to contaminated cough syrups.
The CDSCO has directed the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate strict measures under serious offense regulations, according to a report by news agency ANI.
### National Conference and Government Response
In response to this crisis, the Union Health Secretary is set to hold a video conference with health officials from all states and Union Territories. The meeting’s objective is to discuss the rational use of cough syrups and enforce drug quality standards nationwide.
This step comes after the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan were linked to the consumption of contaminated cough syrups, raising serious concerns about drug safety.
### Ongoing Investigation and Risk-Based Inspections
The CDSCO has launched risk-based inspections of drug manufacturing units across six states — Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Investigators have collected 19 samples from these states for thorough testing.
A multidisciplinary team of experts is currently analyzing the samples to pinpoint the exact cause behind the deaths reported in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.
### Sample Analysis and Findings
Earlier this week, the CDSCO confirmed that six samples tested by them, along with three from the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration, were free from toxic compounds such as Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). These substances are known to cause severe kidney damage.
However, it was clarified that the tested samples did not include the two suspicious cough syrups, including Coldrif, which remain under scrutiny.
### Regional Actions Against Coldrif Syrup
In light of these developments, several states have taken proactive measures against Coldrif syrup. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Madhya Pradesh have imposed bans on its sale. Telangana has issued a public alert urging people to stop using the product immediately.
These actions are part of broader efforts to ensure drug safety and uphold quality standards across India, following the heartbreaking loss of children linked to contaminated cough syrups.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to prevent further casualties.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/india/drug-watchdog-urges-strict-action-against-coldrif-makers-report/story