Summary
Indian authorities are investigating whether contaminated cough syrup caused the deaths of nine children under five years old in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The cough syrup, made by Sresan Pharma, was found to have dangerous levels of a toxic chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG).
Key Facts
- Nine children under five have died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, possibly due to contaminated cough syrup.
- The Indian Health Ministry ordered an investigation after a batch of syrup had high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG).
- DEG is a toxic chemical that can be deadly if ingested, even in small amounts.
- The cough syrup "Coldrif," made by Sresan Pharma, was found to contain high levels of DEG.
- The sale of this cough syrup and other products from Sresan Pharma has been banned in Madhya Pradesh.
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala also banned the syrup after confirming DEG contamination.
- Inspections of 19 drug manufacturers across six Indian states are underway to check quality controls.
- Sresan Pharma has not yet responded to these findings according to the Reuters news agency.
