UP Cracks Down on Illegal Cough Syrup Stockpiles; FSDA Commissioner Roshan Jacob Clarifies Codeine Rules Amid Ongoing Investigations

Addressing concerns circulating after reports of child deaths linked to cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Jacob underscored that the incident has no connection to Uttar Pradesh. She emphasised that the state’s enforcement actions are strictly focused on compliance with drug safety regulations and ensuring that the pharmaceutical supply chain remains transparent and accountable.

According to the FSDA, investigations have revealed significant violations relating to the unauthorized stocking and distribution of codeine-containing cough syrups. As part of the ongoing enforcement drive, FIRs have been registered against 128 establishments across 28 districts. Officials noted that the highest number of discrepancies emerged from major urban centres, including Varanasi, Ghaziabad, Kanpur and Lucknow, where teams reportedly uncovered substantial irregularities in documentation and inventory control.

The commissioner reiterated that the regulatory campaign aims to safeguard public health by preventing misuse and ensuring that cough syrup containing controlled substances is tracked responsibly. The scale of legal action, she added, highlights the seriousness with which the state views the issue of non-compliant pharmaceutical handling.

The crackdown marks one of the most extensive enforcement efforts by the FSDA in recent years, signalling a heightened focus on monitoring narcotic-based formulations and ensuring that retailers and distributors uphold statutory requirements. Authorities maintain that the operation will continue until all irregularities are addressed and compliance is firmly restored across the sector.