Cough syrup sampling drive launched in dist amid safety concerns

In response to growing vigilance over toxic cough syrups, a multi-zone sampling operation was conducted across the district.

The move comes in the wake of alarming reports from Rajasthan and MP, where consumption of certain cough syrup brands was allegedly linked to deaths of children.

Drug Control Officers (DCOs) collected 10 samples of cough syrup from Pindi Street, Dugri, Khanna and Jagraon, targeting retail outlets and distributors. The samples will be sent to the Government Analytical Laboratory

in Kharar for testing, specifically for the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent linked to recent child fatalities.

Why it matters

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a chemical used in antifreeze and brake fluids. Its accidental or deliberate inclusion in medicinal syrups has led to multiple tragedies. In the country, the recent deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan due to DEG-contaminated Coldrif syrup have triggered nationwide inspections.

What experts say

“Diethylene glycol is extremely dangerous when ingested. Even small amounts can cause kidney failure, especially in children,” said a toxicologist at PGIMER, Chandigarh, adding that “Routine sampling and batch testing are the only way to prevent such tragedies.”

“We are following strict protocols laid out by the Directorate General of Health Services,” said Sukhbir Chand, DCO, Ludhiana-1.

“Our goal is to ensure that no substandard or unsafe formulations circulate in the market,” he said.

“Medicine meant to heal should never harm,” said a senior official from the Health Department. We are committed to restoring public trust in India’s pharmaceutical safety,” he said.

“There are some decongestants in the market with irrational drug combinations, which need to be avoided for children. Over-the-counter (OTC) cough medications for children should not be resorted to. But if parents feel that their young child has significant cough, they should visit a paediatrician who should be able to treat it. Parents should avoid self-medication of children and not using OTC drugs,” said City based paediatrician, Dr Rajesh.

What happens next?

The collected samples will undergo chemical analysis at the Government Analytical Laboratory, Kharar, with a focus on detecting DEG. If contamination is found, the Health Department is expected to initiate immediate recalls and legal action against manufacturers and distributors.

Advisory by Union Health Ministry

The Union Health Ministry has issued an advisory against prescribing or dispensing cough and cold medications to children below two years, stating they are generally not recommended for those under five and should only be used with clinical evaluation and supervision thereafter. A letter has been sent to all state and Union Territory health directors. The syrup was manufactured in Kanchipuram and Tamil Nadu Government has been asked to conduct a probe.