India, Oct. 7 -- After Madhya Pradesh declared Coldrif "not of standard quality" following the death of 16 children due to suspected renal failure in a month, the Punjab government has banned the sale and distribution of the cough syrup in the state.

According to the state food and drugs administration's order on October 6: "All retailers, distributors, registered medical practitioners, hospitals and healthcare institutions in Punjab shall not purchase, sell or utilise the product."

Enforcing the immediate prohibition on the sale, stock, distribution, and use of the syrup in Punjab, officials have urged the public and institutions to report if any stock of the syrup is found in circulation. Such reports may be submitted to the food and ...