New Delhi: The Union health ministry has confirmed that the Coldrif cough syrup contains diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical linked to the deaths of nine children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The ministry had initially denied allegations of DEG contamination, citing a report from the Madhya Pradesh Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that found no DEG in the syrup. However, after receiving a report from the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration department, tfhe ministry confirmed the presence of DEG in the syrup.

“On the request of the MP Govt, Tamil Nadu FDA had taken samples of Coldrif Cough Syrup from the manufacturing premises of M/s Sresan Pharma in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The results of testing these samples were shared with us late on October 3. They contained DEG beyond the permissible limit,” the Union health ministry said in a statement.

Following this revelation, several states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala, have banned the sale of Coldrif syrup. The syrup was manufactured by Sresan Pharma's Kanchipuram unit and was distributed to several states.

The controversy began after nine children died after taking the syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. An investigation is underway, and samples of the syrup have been collected for testing.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.