Hyderabad: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) on Saturday issued a public alert and ‘Stop Use Notice’ for a batch of Coldrif cough syrup, following reports linking the product to the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

In an official release, the DCA said it had been alerted to reports of child fatalities allegedly associated with the consumption of Coldrif syrup, specifically Batch No. SR-13. The batch is suspected to have been adulterated with Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical known to cause kidney failure.

“In light of the tragic deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, and the suspected contamination, the public is cautioned to immediately stop using Coldrif syrup, Batch No. SR-13, if in possession, and report it to local Drugs Control Authorities without delay,” the statement read.

The DCA has urged citizens to report any possession of the product via a toll-free number available on working days. It also confirmed that officials in Telangana are coordinating with authorities in Tamil Nadu, where the syrup is manufactured, to trace distribution of the affected batch in the state.

All Drug Inspectors and Assistant Directors have been instructed to alert pharmacies, wholesalers, and hospitals across Telangana and ensure that any stocks of the concerned batch are immediately "frozen" and withdrawn from circulation.

The DCA added that it is taking all necessary measures to prevent any further risk to public health and urged citizens to remain vigilant.