PANAJI
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Goa has directed all chemists and druggists to immediately stop sale and distribution of Coldrif Syrup (Batch No. SR-13), following reports of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh linked to toxic adulteration.
The FDA has also asked the public to stop use of the syrup and if anyone has it in their possession, to report it to the Directorate.
According to the FDA, the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drugs Administration found that the syrup, containing Paracetamol, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate, was allegedly adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a toxic substance — at 46.28% concentration.
“All chemists, druggists, pharmacies, and distributors in Goa have been directed to immediately stop the sale and distribution of the said batch and report any stock to the Directorate without delay. The public has also been urged to stop using Coldrif Syrup, Batch No. SR-13 (Mfg. May 2025, Exp. April 2027) and report possession of the product to the Directorate,” FDA said.
The Union Health Ministry has also advised that cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children below two years.
In an advisory, the Ministry said, these are generally not recommended for children below five years, and above that, any use should follow careful clinical evaluation with close supervision.
