The Delhi government has taken a major and decisive step amid growing concerns over counterfeit and adulterated medicines in India. Authorities have banned the sale, use, and distribution of ColdRef cough syrup, a commonly prescribed medicine for children suffering from cough and fever, after reports linked it to the deaths of 20 children in different states.
Why ColdRef Syrup Has Been Banned
According to the Delhi Drug Control Department, ColdRef syrup was found to contain a toxic chemical called Diethylene Glycol, which is highly poisonous to humans. This chemical, typically used in industrial processes, can cause serious health complications if ingested — including kidney failure, liver damage, and in severe cases, death.
A public notice issued on October 10 by the Delhi government confirmed the contamination and declared the medicine adulterated and unsafe for human use. Authorities have ordered an immediate recall of all ColdRef syrup batches from the market.
States That Have Imposed the Ban
Delhi is not the only state to act against ColdRef syrup. Other states including Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Punjab have also prohibited its sale and distribution following multiple reports of child deaths and hospitalizations.
Government agencies have warned parents and the public not to consume or administer ColdRef syrup in any form, emphasizing that the product poses a serious risk to health and life.
Investigation Findings and Manufacturer Details
The toxic syrup was manufactured by Season Pharmaceuticals, a company based in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. Investigations revealed that batch number SR-13, manufactured in May 2025 with an expiry date of April 2027, contained 42.28% w/v of Diethylene Glycol — a dangerously high level far exceeding safe limits.
Due to this alarming discovery, the Delhi government has taken strict measures to remove the product from circulation and ensure public safety.
