The Union Health Ministry on Friday (3 October 2025) clarified that no Diathylene Glycol (DEEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG) was found in the samples of phlegm syrup collected from Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Both these chemicals are known for causing serious harm to the kidneys and have been associated with the deaths of children in many countries earlier. According to the ministry, the expert team formed at the national level conducted a thorough investigation of the samples and no contamination was revealed in the report.

Recently, news of the death of 11 children in Chhindwara and Rajasthan in Madhya Pradesh was revealed. The dead children were between 1 and 7 years of age and were found in symptoms like kidney infection and not urinating. After the apprehension that deaths may be associated with phlegm syrup, the Center immediately sent the National Disease Control Center (NCDC), National Institute of Virus Sciences (NIV) and Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) for investigation. The State Food and Drug Administration of Madhya Pradesh also investigated three samples independently and confirmed the absence of DEEG or EG.

CSF samples check
NIV Pune examined the blood of the dead and CSF samples. One of these cases was found to be leptospirosis positive. Water samples, insect carriers and respiratory investigation are still going on in other laboratories. This means that the cause of the death of children was not directly found, but the possibility of other reasons is being investigated. Investigation of the deaths of two children in Rajasthan revealed that propilin glycol was not present in the suspected cough syrup, which could sometimes become a source of DEEG or EG contamination. This syrup was found to be dextromethorphon-based, which is not recommended for children.

Advisory issued by DGHS
The Ministry of Health has issued advisory to states and union territories quoting Director General of Health Services (DGHS). It says that most of the cough in young children is cured on its own and children under two years of age should not be given phlegm syrup at all. It is advisable to use it carefully even in older children. The ministry said that natural measures like hydration and rest are more safe for children. States have been instructed to promote these guidelines in primary health centers, community health centers, district hospitals and medical colleges so that people can get the right information.

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