As the festive season sweeps across India, health and safety authorities have ramped up their vigilance to protect consumers from potential dangers lurking in both medicines and food. In a series of decisive actions over the past two days, officials in Chhattisgarh and Haryana have cracked down on pharmaceutical companies and food outlets, highlighting the ongoing struggle to ensure public safety amid rising concerns about quality control.
On October 11, 2025, the Chhattisgarh Drug Controller made headlines by banning 39 medicines—including several cough and cold syrups—manufactured by Tamil Nadu-based CSUN Pharmaceuticals. According to reporting by Sumi Rajappan, this sweeping move came after mounting quality concerns were flagged in neighboring states Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Authorities acted swiftly, halting the market supply of these products and collecting over 100 samples from CSUN and other companies for urgent laboratory testing.
The Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation (CGMSC) was quick to clarify that two other companies, Kesan Pharma and Sonata Pharma, had never supplied medicines to the state government, attempting to contain public anxiety about the scope of the issue. This crackdown is part of a broader, nationwide response following a central government advisory that specifically warned about risks associated with certain cough syrups.
The sense of urgency was only heightened by the recent tragedy in Madhya Pradesh, where contaminated cough syrup produced by Srisan Pharmaceuticals was linked to the deaths of several children. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) responded by recommending the cancellation of Srisan Pharmaceuticals’ license, squarely placing responsibility on the state’s drug authority. Investigators discovered that the syrup, Coldrif, contained diethylene glycol (DEG) at levels nearly 500 times above the permissible limit—a shocking revelation that has reverberated throughout the pharmaceutical industry.
“Clearly, the Tamil Nadu Drug Authority is responsible for this entire situation,” a source told reporters, underscoring the gravity of regulatory lapses. In the aftermath, the CDSCO launched a nationwide inspection blitz, testing and auditing all cough syrup manufacturers in an effort to prevent another public health disaster. The message from the authorities was unmistakable: there would be zero tolerance for negligence or shortcuts in the production of medicines consumed by the public, especially children.
Meanwhile, the focus on public health wasn’t limited to pharmaceuticals. On October 12, 2025, the Food Safety Department in Fatehabad, Haryana, launched a major inspection drive aimed at ensuring safe and hygienic food during the festive season—a time when consumption of sweets and snacks skyrockets. According to The Tribune, officials carried out surprise checks at sweet shops, malls, and food outlets, destroying any suspected or poor-quality food found on the spot.
The inspection team uncovered a major violation at a private mall on Bhuna Road, where they found 9 kilograms of spoiled malpua—a traditional sweet—laden with serious quality issues. The mall’s officials apologized and, following the department’s instructions, destroyed the sweets immediately. The Food Safety Department didn’t mince words: any future negligence would result in strict legal action, including fines or harsher penalties.
As part of the drive, the team collected 13 food samples from various shops for laboratory testing. Authorities made it clear that if adulteration was confirmed, those responsible would face the full force of the law. Food Safety Officer Dr. Gaurav Chabra stated, “Ensuring safe and hygienic food for the public during festivals is our priority.” He warned, “Anyone found selling adulterated or substandard food will face strict punishment.”
The crackdown sent shockwaves through the local food industry. Sweet shop owners and food sellers, suddenly aware of the heightened scrutiny, rushed to check their own stock. It wasn’t just anxiety among vendors—residents praised the department’s action, saying such steps were vital for protecting public health and deterring would-be food adulterators.
The department also used the opportunity to educate the public, urging residents to check expiry dates on food products and to report any suspicious items to authorities. It was a reminder that public vigilance is a crucial ally in the fight against unsafe food and medicine.
These dual crackdowns—one targeting pharmaceuticals and the other food—reflect a broader national anxiety about quality control and consumer safety. The recent spate of contaminated cough syrup incidents, culminating in the deaths of children and the discovery of hazardous chemicals at astronomical levels, has spurred authorities into action. The regulatory apparatus, often criticized for being reactive rather than proactive, appears to be shifting gears in response to public outcry and media scrutiny.
But why do such crises keep surfacing, despite repeated government advisories and regulatory frameworks? Experts point to systemic issues: gaps in enforcement, the sheer scale of India’s pharmaceutical and food industries, and the challenge of monitoring thousands of manufacturers and outlets across a vast country. The problem is compounded during festivals, when demand surges and the temptation to cut corners grows.
Still, these recent actions suggest a new resolve. By banning suspect medicines, ramping up lab testing, and publicly holding violators accountable, authorities hope to deter future lapses. The nationwide inspections of cough syrup manufacturers, prompted by the CDSCO, are expected to set a precedent for more rigorous oversight. Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department’s unannounced raids and tough warnings signal that food adulteration will not be tolerated, especially when public health is on the line.
For the average consumer, these stories are a sobering reminder to stay alert. Whether it’s checking the expiry date on a box of sweets or being wary of over-the-counter medicines, vigilance can make a real difference. As one local resident put it, “It’s good to see the authorities taking action, but we also have to do our part.”
As the festival lights twinkle and families gather to celebrate, the message from regulators is clear: safety comes first. From the medicines we take to the sweets we share, every link in the supply chain is under scrutiny. The hope is that these crackdowns will not only address the immediate threats but also foster a culture of accountability that endures long after the festivities have ended.
