India confronted a major public health crisis in October 2025 as at least 23 children under the age of six died from acute kidney injury after consuming cough syrup contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) in Chhindwara and Betul districts of Madhya Pradesh. The syrup, branded Coldrif, was manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu and contained approximately 48.6% DEG, far exceeding permissible limits. The WHO issued a Medical Product Alert on October 13 confirming contamination in Coldrif and two other syrups (Respifresh TR by Rednex Pharmaceuticals and ReLife by Shape Pharma). Tamil Nadu's drug control department cancelled all manufacturing licenses of Sresan Pharma, and the company's owner was arrested. Relevant state authorities initiated recalls of the contaminated products and suspended product authorisations.
Contaminated Cough Syrup Crisis: 23 Children Die in Madhya Pradesh
At least 23 children died in Madhya Pradesh from DEG-contaminated Coldrif cough syrup made by Sresan Pharma (Tamil Nadu); WHO issued alert, manufacturer arrested.
Key facts
- At least 23 children died from acute kidney injury after consuming cough syrup contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) in Chhindwara and Betul districts of Madhya Pradesh
- Coldrif syrup by Sresan Pharmaceuticals (Tamil Nadu) contained approximately 48.6% DEG, far exceeding permissible limits
- WHO issued a Medical Product Alert on October 13 confirming contamination in Coldrif and two other syrups (Respifresh TR and ReLife)
- Tamil Nadu's drug control department cancelled all manufacturing licenses of Sresan Pharma; company's owner arrested
- A nationwide ban on Coldrif was enforced
Mains angle
Q: Examine the regulatory, public-health, and accountability issues exposed by the Madhya Pradesh Coldrif cough-syrup tragedy, and suggest reforms for drug-quality governance in India.
Answer (50 words):
At least 23 children under six died in Chhindwara and Betul in October 2025 after consuming Coldrif cough syrup containing 48.6% diethylene glycol, made by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Tamil Nadu. WHO issued a Medical Product Alert on 13 October covering two additional syrups. License cancellation, owner arrest, and state-authority recalls followed.
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In the contaminated cough syrup crisis of October 2025, which chemical contaminant was found in the syrup 'Coldrif' that caused acute kidney injury in children?
The cough syrup 'Coldrif' was contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) at approximately 48.6%, far exceeding permissible limits, causing acute kidney injury and death of at least 23 children in Madhya Pradesh. The WHO issued a Medical Product Alert confirming the contamination.
Source: CNN
Frequently asked questions
How many children died from contaminated cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh in 2025?
At least **23 children under the age of six died** from acute kidney injury in Chhindwara and Betul districts of Madhya Pradesh after consuming cough syrup contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG). The syrup was branded **Coldrif**, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu.
What contaminant was found in the Coldrif cough syrup linked to children's deaths in MP?
The Coldrif cough syrup was found to contain approximately **48.6% diethylene glycol (DEG)**, far exceeding permissible limits. DEG contamination causes acute kidney injury and was responsible for the deaths of at least 23 children in Madhya Pradesh.
Which company manufactured the contaminated Coldrif syrup?
The contaminated Coldrif cough syrup was manufactured by **Sresan Pharmaceuticals**, based in Tamil Nadu. The WHO issued a **Medical Product Alert on October 13, 2025** confirming DEG contamination and the drug was subsequently recalled.
What action did the WHO take regarding the Madhya Pradesh cough syrup deaths?
The **WHO issued a Medical Product Alert on October 13, 2025** confirming diethylene glycol (DEG) contamination in the Coldrif cough syrup. The Indian government recalled the drug and launched investigations involving the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
What systemic issues did the Madhya Pradesh cough syrup tragedy expose in India's drug regulatory system?
The tragedy highlighted **inadequate pre-market testing protocols and post-market surveillance** in India's drug regulatory system. It raised questions about the role of the **Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)** and the need for stronger enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices across Indian pharmaceutical manufacturers.
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