Tamil Nadu firm bought 100kg toxic chemical for Coldrif:Ignored quality checks during manufacturing; 19 children died in MP

At least 19 children have died in Chhindwara, Betul, Nagpur, and Pandhurna in Madhya Pradesh after consuming Coldrif cough syrup. A government investigation has found that the syrup was made using non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals — the kind used in industrial products, not medicines. Lab tests showed the presence of deadly toxins in amounts hundreds of times higher than the safety limit. Toxic chemicals found in syrup The Tamil Nadu Directorate of Drugs Control revealed that Coldrif syrup contained dangerous levels of Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG). These chemicals are used in car coolants and are extremely poisonous if ingested. Laboratory tests showed that the level of these toxins was 486 times higher than the permitted limit. Experts said such a dose could not only kill a child but even damage the kidneys and brain of an animal as large as an elephant. Company used non-pharma chemicals The report found that the manufacturer, Srisan Pharmaceuticals, used poor-quality Propylene Glycol that was not suitable for medicines. The chemical was never tested for purity or safety. The company’s owner admitted during questioning that he had bought two 50-kg bags of propylene glycol — a total of 100 kg — without any bills or records. The purchases were made through cash and GPay transactions. Chemical purchased in March Investigators found that Srisan Pharmaceuticals had bought the chemical from Sunrise Biotech in Chennai on 25 March 2025. Despite knowing that it was of non-pharmaceutical grade, the company used it in the production of cough syrup without any quality checks. Attempt to hide evidence The Tamil Nadu Drugs Control team found that the company tried to cover up its actions. When the inspection team arrived, there was no stock of propylene glycol at the site, raising suspicion that the company had quickly disposed of it and removed related documents. Officials said the investigation was crucial for public safety, as using industrial-grade chemicals in medicines can be fatal for both children and adults. 589 bottles linked to deaths The investigation found 589 bottles of Coldrif syrup (batch number SR-13, 60 ml) ready to be dispatched to Chhindwara. Syrups from this batch caused kidney failure and brain swelling in children, leading to multiple deaths. The batch was manufactured in May 2025 and had an expiry date of April 2027. Thousands of bottles seized Officials also found other syrups made by the company during the raid. These included: However, tests showed that these other syrups were of standard quality. Government steps in for treatment On Tuesday night, the Madhya Pradesh government announced that seven children from Chhindwara and two from Betul were receiving treatment at hospitals in Nagpur. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that the government would bear the full cost of their treatment. A joint team of doctors and executive magistrates has been deployed to ensure proper care in all hospitals. Specialists treating the children AIIMS Nagpur GMC Nagpur National Health City Hospital Public safety under threat Authorities said the use of non-pharmaceutical grade chemicals in drug manufacturing is a serious crime that puts public lives at risk. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have vowed strict action against those responsible for the tragedy.