Lucknow, Nov. 14 -- The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has sent suggestions to the Central government for comprehensive changes in the drug distribution system, to curb the illegal trade in codeine-based cough syrup, a spokesperson said.

The department's investigation revealed that large quantities of codeine-based cough syrup were being billed, but the products were not reaching the authorised retail market. This raised concerns about their non-medical use and commercial diversion instead of medical use.

For a permanent solution to this problem, the department has suggested measures to control the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to wholesalers.

The department stresses that codeine-based syrup should b...