After MP deaths, India mandates testing of cough syrups
After 23 children died in Madhya Pradesh from contaminated Coldrif cough syrup this October, India's top drug regulator is stepping up safety rules.
Now, all cough syrups and similar medicines must be tested for two dangerous chemicals—diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG)—DEG was found in the tainted batch; both are now required to be tested for.
New rules require testing at every stage
As of October 11, 2025, new rules require every batch of raw materials and finished syrups to go through stricter testing using gas chromatography.
Both DEG and EG can't exceed 0.10%.
Drug companies and labs across the country have been told to follow these standards right away.
Officials say closing this loophole is a big step
Before this update, only raw ingredients were checked—meaning harmful chemicals could slip into the final product.
Officials say closing this loophole is a big step toward safer medicines and rebuilding public trust after such a heartbreaking loss.