Chennai, October 8 (IANS). In a serious revelation, the Drug Control Department (DCD) of Tamil Nadu has taken strict action against the factory of Sreesan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers. ‘Coldrif Syrup’ (batch number SR-13), manufactured by this unit located on Bengaluru Highway, was found to be adulterated with a toxic chemical called Diethylene Glycol (DEG), which can cause kidney failure and death.
This case is related to the death of 14 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which has raised questions on the pharmaceutical industry across the country. The department immediately stopped the production of the factory and has started the process of canceling the manufacturing license.
The department received the information from Madhya Pradesh Drug Control Authority at 3:37 pm on 1 October 2025, when it was a government holiday in the state, but giving priority to public interest, Deputy Director S. On the instructions of Gurubharti, the team of senior drug inspector started the investigation at 4 pm the same evening.
During intensive inspection, 39 serious and 325 major violations of Amended Schedule M (GMP) and Schedule L1 (GLP) of Drugs Rules, 1945 were found. Specifically, non-medicinal grade propylene glycol was used as an excipient in the manufacturing of the syrup, which was contaminated with DEG and ethylene glycol. These chemicals are nephrotoxic (kidney damaging) and can prove fatal for children.
Springing into action, the team also collected samples of Coldrif syrup and four other syrups, namely Respolite D (SR-30), Respolite GL (SR-45), Respolite ST (SR-22), and Hepsandin (SR-46). Stock available at the factory was frozen to prevent further distribution.
The samples were sent to the Government Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai, where testing was done on priority despite the holidays. An ongoing investigation on October 2 revealed further irregularities, leading to a statewide alert. Distribution lists were sent to all drug inspectors, so that stocks could be seized at wholesale and retail levels. Odisha and Puducherry were also informed by email.
–IANS
SCH/DKP
