Stricter Cough Syrup Testing Mandated After Deadly Contamination

The tragic loss of young lives linked to a contaminated cough syrup has prompted the central government to mandate significantly more rigorous testing for all pharmaceutical products. An official advisory has been sent to all states and Union Territories, calling for a renewed focus on thorough batch testing of raw materials and finished products. This intensified scrutiny aims to ensure strict adherence to safety regulations, including the verification of approved vendors for all ingredients. The directive comes after investigations revealed a cough syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG) at levels dangerously exceeding safety limits, leading to severe illness and multiple child fatalities. This comprehensive overhaul seeks to bolster the integrity of India’s pharmaceutical supply chain.