The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global medical alert after the detection of toxic contamination in three Indian-manufactured cough syrups — Coldrif (Sresan Pharmaceuticals), ReLife (Shape Pharma), and Respifresh TR (Rednex Pharmaceuticals). The alert follows the tragic deaths of 21 children in Madhya Pradesh, India, reportedly linked to the consumption of these syrups.
According to WHO, laboratory analysis found that the syrups contained 48.6% Diethylene Glycol (DEG), a lethal industrial solvent that can cause acute kidney failure, neurological complications, and death. The global health body has urged immediate regulatory and public health actions to prevent further use of the affected batches.
WHO Global Medical Alert on Toxic Cough Syrups
In its official statement, the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized that Diethylene Glycol (DEG) and Ethylene Glycol (EG) are toxic substances commonly used in industrial applications like antifreeze and brake fluids — not in pharmaceuticals. When ingested, DEG can lead to serious poisoning, characterized by vomiting, abdominal pain, altered mental state, and acute renal failure.
The WHO alert follows a detailed toxicological analysis that identified the presence of 48.6% DEG in the samples of the syrups produced by the three Indian pharmaceutical companies. The organization has advised all countries to remain vigilant and report any detection of these products within their borders.
CDSCO Confirms No Export of Contaminated Syrups
Responding to the WHO alert, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) — India’s apex drug regulatory authority — confirmed that the contaminated cough syrups were not exported outside India. The CDSCO, along with state drug control authorities, has initiated a detailed investigation into the manufacturing facilities of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Shape Pharma, and Rednex Pharmaceuticals, which are all based in India.
Authorities have also instructed immediate recall of the affected batches from domestic markets and have temporarily suspended manufacturing activities of the concerned companies pending further inquiry.
Previous Global Incidents Linked to Cough Syrup Contamination
This is not the first time Diethylene Glycol poisoning has been linked to cough syrups produced in India. Similar incidents were reported in The Gambia (2022), Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, where contaminated pediatric syrups caused child fatalities due to kidney failure. Following these incidents, WHO had issued multiple international alerts urging stringent testing and monitoring of liquid oral formulations manufactured globally.
The latest case in Madhya Pradesh underscores the continued public health risk posed by poor quality control and inadequate monitoring within the pharmaceutical supply chain.
WHO’s Recommendations for Public and Authorities
The World Health Organization has urged healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, and consumers to take immediate precautionary measures:
- Do not use the identified syrups — Coldrif, ReLife, and Respifresh TR.
- Report any suspected adverse drug reactions or poisoning symptoms immediately to local health authorities.
- Strengthen quality control and surveillance of cough and cold syrups in both domestic and export markets.
- Ensure laboratory testing of all liquid formulations before market release.
The WHO global alert on contaminated Indian cough syrups is a grave reminder of the need for strict pharmaceutical quality assurance and regulatory vigilance. With 21 children dead in Madhya Pradesh due to Diethylene Glycol poisoning, urgent actions are being taken by Indian authorities to identify and eliminate all contaminated products.
The WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and has urged countries worldwide to test and verify cough syrups from the named manufacturers to prevent further tragedies.
