New Delhi, December 29: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has initiated a probe in connection with the death of 18 children in Uzbekistan allegedly linked to a cough syrup manufactured by an Indian firm, official sources said on Thursday.

The health ministry of Uzbekistan has claimed that the children who died had consumed cough syrup 'Doc-1 Max' manufactured by Noida-based Marion Biotech. Uzbekistan Cough Syrup Deaths: Teams of Centre, Uttar Pradesh Drug Department Inspect Marion Biotech’s Office in Noida.

Hasan Harris, legal representative of Mario Biotech, said the governments of both countries is looking into the matter and inquiring. "There is no problem from our end and no issue in testing. We have been there for the past ten years. Once the government report will come, we will look into it. For now the manufacturing has stopped," Harris said. Uzbekistan Child Deaths From India-Made Cough Syrup: CDSCO Says Will Investigate the Allegation Against Noida-Based Manufacturing Firm.

According to the ministry, chemical ethylene glycol was found in a batch of syrup during laboratory tests. Sources said the Drugs Controller General of India has sought more information regarding the incident from the Uzbek regulator. An inspection jointly conducted by the central drugs regulatory team of north zone and state drugs regulatory team was also taken during which samples of the drugs were also lifted. Uzbekistan Claims 18 Children Die After Consuming India-Made Cough Syrup.

Earlier this year, death of 70 children in Gambia was linked to cough syrups manufactured by Haryana-based Maiden Pharmaceuticals following which the Haryana based unit was shut for violation of manufacturing standards. However, later the samples tested in a government laboratory in India were found to be complying with specifications.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)