Tamil Nadu Bans 'Almond Kit' Syrup After Toxic Chemical Discovery
Tamil Nadu has banned the manufacture, sale, and consumption of 'Almond Kit' cough syrup due to the confirmed presence of toxic ethylene glycol. The chemical can cause severe health complications, including kidney failure and death. The Drug Control Directorate has ordered an immediate recall of batch AL24002, intensifying inspections and urging public vigilance. This action follows previous incidents of contaminated syrups in India, underscoring the state's commitment to patient safety and stricter pharmaceutical regulation.
The Tamil Nadu government has implemented a comprehensive ban on the 'Almond Kit' cough syrup, prohibiting its manufacture, sale, distribution, and consumption throughout the state. This decisive action was prompted by laboratory tests confirming the presence of ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical, in the syrup. Manufactured in Bihar, the contaminated product poses severe health risks, including acute kidney failure, damage to the brain and lungs, and, in extreme cases, death. In response to these findings, the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Directorate has issued immediate and stringent directives. All medical shops, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies across Tamil Nadu are mandated to withdraw 'Almond Kit' from sale. Any entity involved in its supply or sale must report the matter to authorities without delay. Consumers are specifically advised to check for batch number AL24002 and to strictly avoid using the syrup, with an appeal to contact officials for guidance on safe disposal. To ensure complete removal from circulation, the Directorate has intensified inspections and surveillance in pharmacies and hospitals statewide. For public clarifications or complaints, a dedicated WhatsApp contact number (94458 65400) has been provided. This ban comes amidst a history of tragedies linked to contaminated medicinal syrups in India, where several deaths, particularly of children, were reported due to ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol contamination. Health experts firmly state that ethylene glycol, an industrial antifreeze component, has no place in medicinal formulations, as even small quantities can be lethal. State authorities have reiterated their commitment to patient safety, warning of strict legal action against violators and urging the public to remain vigilant when purchasing medicines, carefully verifying labels and batch numbers, and reporting any suspicious drugs immediately. The government aims to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent future recurrences and ensure the safety and quality of medicines available to patients.
