Tamil Nadu Acts to Ban ColdRif Cough Syrup Amidst Child Death Investigations

The Tamil Nadu government has prohibited the sale of ColdRif cough syrup and ordered its withdrawal from the market due to potential contamination concerns related to child deaths. The ban comes after reports of child fatalities in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which are potentially linked to the cough syrup. The prohibition of the cough syrup, produced by a local firm, took effect on October 1st. In response to the situation, inspections were conducted at the manufacturing facility located in Sunguvarchathram, Kancheepuram district. Samples of the syrup have been obtained for detailed analysis. These samples will undergo testing in government-run laboratories to detect the presence of Diethylene Glycol. In a related move, the Union Ministry issued an advisory to all states and union territories, cautioning against prescribing cough and cold medications to infants under the age of two.