CDSCO bans 196 drugs & cosmetics including fever-cough medicines, Mamaearth products over quality concerns

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has banned a total of 196 products, including medicines, injections, and cosmetics, after they failed to meet quality standards in April 2025. The banned list includes several commonly used medications for fever, cold, cough, and high blood pressure, along with cosmetics from well-known brands. The regulatory body conducts regular sampling and testing of products to ensure compliance with safety and quality norms.

According to CDSCO's April 2025 Non-Standard Quality (NSQ) report, the cancelled items include Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs—medicines that contain two or more active ingredients in a set ratio. These are often used for convenience and combined effects. The report lists several paracetamol-based drugs, anti-allergy tablets, and cough syrups that did not meet the required chemical and safety standards during testing.

Among the cosmetics, products from the brand Mamaearth were found to be non-compliant with prescribed safety norms and were also included in the ban. Additionally, a batch of Deca-Durabolin injection, which is used in the treatment of anaemia, was found substandard and has been pulled from circulation. CDSCO is one of the top regulatory bodies responsible for monitoring and enforcing drug and cosmetic safety in India.

Of the 196 banned samples, 60 were tested in central drug laboratories and 136 were tested in various state-level drug testing facilities. The CDSCO publishes the NSQ list every month based on these laboratory results. Products that fail to meet the standard parameters are listed and withdrawn from the market to prevent potential health risks.