The Tamil Nadu government has issued a show-cause notice to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of the cough syrup Coldrif, and imposed a ban on its sale after laboratory tests revealed the presence of toxic chemicals in the product.
According to officials, the drug control department collected samples from Batch-13 of Coldrif following an incident on October 1, which confirmed the presence of neurotoxic substances. Laboratory tests detected 48% Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG)—industrial solvents that are highly toxic and can cause severe health complications.
Authorities indicated that the contamination likely resulted from the failure to properly test propylene glycol, a solvent used in the syrup’s formulation. DEG and EG are by-products of propylene glycol, and inadequate purification or testing can lead to contamination.
Sresan Pharmaceuticals, which supplies medicines to both state governments and private agencies, has been directed to halt production and distribution of Coldrif. The manufacturing unit has been sealed, and authorities confirmed that all Coldrif bottles have been removed from shelves across Tamil Nadu.
A senior drug control official stated that the company must respond to the show-cause notice, explaining lapses in quality assurance and failure to prevent contamination.
Further investigations are ongoing to determine how the toxic compounds entered the production line. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid using Coldrif until further notice.
