The Morning Brief A Spoonful of Death
Oct 16, 2025
A tragic investigation reveals how contaminated cough syrups have led to the deaths of children in India. Grieving parents share heartbreaking accounts of their losses. Experts uncover the toxic substance diethylene glycol in these medicines and the regulatory neglect that allowed it to happen. The discussion highlights systemic flaws in drug safety, revealing the dangerous mix of outdated regulations and poor enforcement. Finally, the conversation turns to what reforms are needed to protect future generations from similar tragedies.
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Father's Account Of A Child's Decline
- Kailash Yadav described how his son's cold worsened after taking a prescribed cough syrup and kidney failure followed.
- His son deteriorated despite multiple doctor visits and died after being referred to higher centres.
Toxic Solvent Found In Children's Syrup
- Tests found high amounts of diethylene glycol (DEG) in Kohlriff cough syrup, a toxic industrial solvent.
- The maker operated from a rundown factory that had never been inspected since the 1990s.
Recurring Global Pattern Of Deadly Contamination
- DEG poisonings have recurred across decades and countries with major child fatalities.
- Convictions and systemic fixes have been rare despite repeated tragedies.
