Cough syrup row: Maharashtra bans Coldrif; FDA cites toxic industrial solvent as cause of deaths

NAGPUR: The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed statewide ban on the sale, distribution, and use of Coldrif syrup (Batch No. SR-13), a paediatric cough syrup linked to at least 14 child fatalities in neighbouring states. The directive, signed by drug controller Dr Gahane on October 5, cites contamination with diethylene glycol (DEG) -- a toxic industrial solvent -- as the cause of the reported deaths. Meanwhile, FDA's Nagpur division also restricted sale of Anset syrup after concerns were raised about its safety. The FDA has urged citizens, retailers, wholesalers, and hospitals to cease circulation of the syrup, secure existing stock, and notify local drug control authorities immediately. The alert follows reports from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where multipl