News Context: The Telangana DCA issued a "stop use" notice for Almont-Kid Syrup (pediatric) after detecting toxic Ethylene Glycol, a repeat of recent global scandals.
- What is Ethylene Glycol? A colorless, odorless, sweet-tasting chemical primarily used as an industrial antifreeze and in the manufacture of polyester fibers.
- Why is it in Syrups? Unscrupulous manufacturers sometimes use it as a cheap, illegal substitute for Glycerin or Propylene Glycol, which are safe solvents for cough syrups.
- Toxicity: Once ingested, the liver metabolizes EG into Glycolic acid and Oxalic acid, which causes:
- Metabolic Acidosis: Increased acidity in the blood.
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Formation of calcium oxalate crystals that "plug" the kidneys, leading to death.
- Wholistic Insight: This is a major regulatory challenge for the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation). Following incidents in Gambia and Uzbekistan linked to Indian-made syrups, India has mandated testing of all exported cough syrups at government labs.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
