Did a Cough Syrup Unit in Hajipur Shut Down Due to Contamination?
Synopsis
A pharmaceutical unit in Hajipur, Bihar, has been shut down due to toxic substances found in a children's cough syrup. This alarming incident raises concerns about public health safety and the integrity of pharmaceutical practices.
Key Takeaways
Closure of pharmaceutical unit in Hajipur due to contamination.
Toxic substances detected include ethylene glycol.
Previous bans on the syrup in Telangana and Himachal Pradesh.
Health risks of consuming contaminated cough syrup are significant.
Company is recalling affected batches nationwide.
Patna, Jan 20 (NationPress) A pharmaceutical facility situated in the Hajipur industrial zone of Vaishali district, Bihar, has been closed after toxic substances were detected in a children's cough syrup produced at the site.
The cough syrup had previously faced a ban in both Telangana and Himachal Pradesh, leading to the locking of its factory gates.
Sources from the health department indicated that further measures against the company might follow soon.
Officials reported that a sample of the company's cough syrup was collected by the Central Drug Inspector in October, with test results recently obtained.
The findings revealed the presence of harmful chemicals, including ethylene glycol, in the syrup.
In response to these findings, the Central Drugs Controller has prohibited the sale, distribution, and usage of the drug.
This medicine was manufactured at an industrial site under the authority of the Industrial Police Station in Hajipur.
The syrup was intended for children suffering from allergy-related issues like a runny nose, sneezing, itching, swelling, irritation, and watery eyes.
Health officials cautioned that ethylene glycol is an extremely toxic chemical, posing significant health risks, particularly for children.
Officials recalled that several children tragically lost their lives in Madhya Pradesh a few months ago after consuming adulterated cough syrup from Tamil Nadu, which also contained ethylene glycol.
The quality assessment report pointed out severe deficiencies in a specific batch of the medicine, Batch No. AL-24002, which was found to have 1.4876 percent of ethylene glycol.
Experts warned that the presence of this chemical at any level poses severe dangers to human health.
Health department officials mentioned that the medication from this batch was distributed solely in Kishanganj district in Bihar, in limited quantities.
After identifying the sample as defective, the Central Drugs Control Department instructed all states to take action, resulting in a nationwide ban.
Sources added that the company has started recalling the affected batch of the medicine from various locations.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the severity of this situation. The contamination of children's medicine not only raises red flags about regulatory practices but also highlights the urgent need for stringent quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry. The safety of our children must always be our top priority.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was found in the cough syrup?
The cough syrup was found to contain toxic substances, specifically ethylene glycol, which is highly dangerous for human consumption.
Where was the contaminated cough syrup distributed?
The affected batch of the cough syrup was distributed in limited quantities only to Kishanganj district in Bihar.
What actions have been taken against the company?
The company has been shut down, and a nationwide ban on the sale and distribution of the contaminated syrup has been imposed.
What are the health risks of consuming ethylene glycol?
Ethylene glycol is highly toxic and can pose serious health risks, particularly to children, including potential organ failure and death.
How did authorities become aware of the contamination?
Authorities collected a sample of the cough syrup in October, and recent test results confirmed the presence of hazardous chemicals.
