Chennai, Jan 18 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu government has imposed a ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and consumption of the cough syrup 'Almond Kit' following laboratory findings that identified the presence of the dangerously toxic chemical ethylene glycol, as reported by the state's drug control authority in an official release.

Officials reported that the syrup, produced in Bihar, was found to be tainted with ethylene glycol, a compound known to trigger severe and potentially life-threatening health issues.

The Tamil Nadu Drug Control Directorate issued a warning that the intake of this syrup could result in acute kidney failure, harm to the brain and lungs, and in extreme scenarios, even death.

In response to these alarming findings, the Directorate has ordered all medical outlets, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies throughout Tamil Nadu to immediately remove the product from their shelves.

Any businesses that have supplied or sold this syrup have been instructed to report the situation to the authorities without delay.

Consumers are particularly urged to check the batch number AL24002 and to avoid using the syrup altogether.

Individuals in possession of the drug have been advised to reach out to officials for guidance on proper disposal.

The Directorate has also ramped up inspections and monitoring in pharmacies and hospitals across the state to guarantee that the contaminated syrup is entirely withdrawn from circulation.

For any clarifications, complaints, or further instructions, the public can contact the Directorate via WhatsApp at 94458 65400.

This ban comes amid previous tragedies associated with tainted medicinal syrups in India.

In recent years, there have been multiple reports of deaths—especially among children—linked to syrups containing ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol, including cases involving products manufactured in Tamil Nadu.

Such incidents have raised nationwide alarms regarding quality control in the pharmaceutical industry and have led to stricter regulatory oversight.

Health experts emphasize that ethylene glycol, commonly utilized in industrial antifreeze, should never be found in medicinal formulations.

Even minute quantities can be fatal, particularly for children, thus underscoring the necessity for prompt regulatory action.

State officials reaffirmed that patient safety is their primary concern and warned of strict legal consequences for anyone violating the ban.

The Drug Control Directorate also urged the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medications, ensuring they thoroughly check labels and batch numbers, and to report any suspicious or subpar drugs right away.

The government has committed to enhancing its monitoring systems to avert a recurrence of past tragedies and to ensure that only safe, quality-assured medications reach consumers.