‘Almont Kid’ cough syrup banned in Tamil Nadu over ethylene glycol presence

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has imposed a ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution and consumption of the cough syrup ‘Almont Kid’ after laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the highly toxic chemical ethylene glycol, according to a press release issued by the state’s drug control authority.

Officials said the syrup, produced in Bihar, was found to be contaminated with ethylene glycol, a chemical known to cause serious health complications that can turn fatal in certain cases.

The Tamil Nadu Drug Control Directorate cautioned that intake of the syrup may result in acute kidney failure, injury to the brain and lungs, and, in severe situations, death.

In light of the findings, the Drug Control Directorate has directed all medical shops, distributors, hospitals and pharmacies across Tamil Nadu to immediately withdraw the product from sale.

Any individual or organisation involved in supplying or selling the syrup has been directed to inform the authorities without delay.

Consumers were specifically asked to verify the batch number AL24002 and strictly avoid using the medicine.

Those in possession of the drug have been urged to contact officials for guidance on safe disposal.

The Directorate has also intensified inspections and surveillance in pharmacies and hospitals across the state to ensure that the contaminated syrup is completely removed from circulation.

For clarifications, complaints or further instructions, the public has been asked to contact the Directorate via WhatsApp at 94458 65400.

The latest ban comes against the backdrop of earlier tragedies linked to contaminated medicinal syrups in India.

In recent years, several deaths -- particularly of children -- were reported after the consumption of syrups containing ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, including incidents involving medicines manufactured within Tamil Nadu.

Those episodes triggered nationwide concern over quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing and led to stricter regulatory scrutiny.

Health experts note that ethylene glycol, commonly used in industrial antifreeze, has no place in medicinal formulations.

Even small quantities can be lethal, especially for children, making swift regulatory action .

State authorities reiterated that patient safety remains their top priority and warned of strict legal action against anyone found violating the ban.

The Drug Control Directorate also appealed to the public to remain vigilant while purchasing medicines, carefully verify labels and batch numbers, and report any suspicious or substandard drugs immediately.

The government has said that it will continue to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent repetition of past tragedies and ensure that only safe, quality-assured medicines reach patients.

IANS