Thousands of Cold and Cough Syrups Seized in Visakhapatnam Over Unsafe Labels
In the wake of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to adulterated cough syrups, drug inspectors in Visakhapatnam seized nearly 6,000 bottles of Rivicold cold and cough syrups worth ₹4.5 lakh on Monday. The action followed violations of mandatory labeling norms.
The raid, carried out at Kirbi Life Sciences, a wholesale medical agency in Marripalem, found that the bottles did not carry the required warning stating that the syrup should not be given to children under four years of age. “The omission creates a serious risk of the syrup being used on young children,” said Drugs Inspector M. Srinivas Rao.
The seized syrups, manufactured by Bajaj Formulations in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, contain chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride. A case has been registered against the manufacturer under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The stock will be produced in court for further proceedings.
Citing the recent fatalities, Mr. Rao warned that strict action would be taken against any licensee selling prohibited combinations. “No cold or cough syrup for children should be sold without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner,” he added.
The operation was conducted under the directions of P.S. Girisha, Director General of Drugs Control Administration, and supervised by S. Vijaya Kumar, Assistant Director, DCA, Visakhapatnam. Drugs Inspector Abhipriya and a team of police personnel also participated in the raid.
Mr. Rao emphasized that the administration would continue vigilant monitoring and take action against violations to prevent misuse of such medicines.