The World Health Organization has issued a health alert warning about three contaminated cough syrups identified in India, raising serious public health concerns. The advisory urges health authorities worldwide to remain vigilant and to report any detection of the affected medicines to the organization.
The syrups in question are specific batches of Coldrif produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Respifresh TR manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife made by Shape Pharma. According to laboratory analyses, these cough syrups were found to contain toxic levels of diethylene glycol—a highly dangerous chemical often used in antifreeze and industrial solvents. The contaminant was detected in quantities nearly 500 times higher than the permissible limit.
Diethylene glycol is known to cause severe poisoning when ingested, leading to kidney failure, nervous system damage, and even death, particularly in children. The WHO warned that the contaminated products pose significant health risks and could cause potentially life-threatening illness if consumed.
India’s health regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), reported that the affected syrups were linked to the deaths of several children under the age of five in the Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh. Investigations revealed that the children had consumed the cough syrups before succumbing to symptoms consistent with toxic exposure.
Authorities have since launched an extensive probe into the manufacturing facilities and supply chains of the implicated companies to determine the source of contamination. Early findings suggest that poor quality control and the use of substandard raw materials may have contributed to the presence of the toxic compound.
The CDSCO emphasized that there is no evidence the contaminated medicines have been exported from India or sold in international markets. However, the WHO has urged all countries to remain on alert, as similar incidents in the past have led to cross-border distribution through unregulated trade channels.
Health experts are calling for stricter oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality testing, particularly in the production of medicines for children. The WHO reiterated the need for rigorous enforcement of safety standards to prevent further tragedies caused by contaminated pharmaceuticals.
