Tamil Nadu Bans Cough Syrup ‘Almond Kit’ After Toxic Chemical Found

The Tamil Nadu government has imposed an immediate ban on the manufacture, sale, distribution, and consumption of the cough syrup ‘Almond Kit’ after laboratory analysis revealed the presence of ethylene glycol, a highly toxic industrial chemical, officials said on Saturday.

The decision was announced by the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Directorate, which said the contaminated syrup, manufactured in Bihar, poses a grave threat to public health.

Ethylene glycol is known to cause severe organ damage and can be fatal, particularly in children.

According to the Directorate, consumption of the syrup can lead to acute kidney failure, brain and lung damage, and in extreme cases, ‘death’.

Following the findings, authorities have directed all medical shops, distributors, hospitals, and pharmacies across the state to immediately withdraw the product from circulation.

All entities involved in the supply or sale of the syrup have been instructed to report to the drug control authorities without delay.

Consumers have been specifically warned to check for batch number AL24002 and strictly avoid using the syrup.

Those already in possession of the drug have been urged to contact officials for guidance on safe disposal. Meanwhile, enforcement teams have stepped up inspections and surveillance to ensure the contaminated product is completely removed from the market.

Public Helpline and Enforcement Measures

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

The ban comes as lingering concerns persist over contaminated medicinal syrups in India.

In recent years, several incidents have been linked to syrups containing ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol. Many of these cases involved children and triggered national outrage as well as tighter regulatory scrutiny.

Health experts have reiterated that ethylene glycol is commonly used in industrial antifreeze. They stressed that it has no place in pharmaceutical formulations, even in trace amounts.

Authorities said swift action was essential to prevent a repeat of past tragedies.

State officials stressed that patient safety remains paramount 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. It urged consumers to carefully verify labels and batch numbers and to promptly report any suspicious or substandard drugs.

The government said it will continue strengthening monitoring mechanisms to ensure that only safe, quality-assured medicines reach patients.