India, Oct. 5 -- Amid growing safety concerns surrounding a specific batch of Coldrif cough syrup, the Kerala government has taken precautionary action by suspending its sale across the state, a measure that follows similar steps taken by a few other states.

Kerala health minister Veena George announced on Saturday that the decision was prompted by reports from other states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where the syrup is suspected to be linked to the deaths of several children.

The health ministry on Friday said samples of Coldrif cough syrup were tested by state authorities and found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) exceeding permissible limits. Diethylene glycol is a toxic solvent used in industrial products and can caus...