Global health alert: WHO identifies three contaminated cough syrups in India
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a health advisory after identifying three cough syrups in India that could pose serious risks to young children. The alert follows a spate of child deaths in Madhya Pradesh (MP) earlier this year, which were linked to adulterated medicines and a toxic chemical known as diethylene glycol (DEG).
The three syrups named by the WHO
According to the WHO, specific batches of the following cough syrups were identified as potentially dangerous:
- Coldrif (from Sresan Pharmaceuticals)
- Respifresh TR (from Rednex Pharmaceuticals)
- ReLife (from Shape Pharma)
Officials warn that these products, if present in a country, could cause severe illness or be life-threatening, especially for young children. The agency has urged member states and health authorities to report any detections back to WHO for rapid action and risk assessment.
What happened in Madhya Pradesh?
In MP, several children died after reportedly consuming a cough syrup linked to Sresan Pharmaceuticals. Subsequent laboratory tests found that the Coldrif syrup contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic solvent historically associated with mass poisonings. DEG concentrations in the implicated samples were reported to be far above the permissible limit, prompting an immediate nationwide response.
Following the incident, authorities revoked the manufacturing license of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, and the company’s owner was arrested as part of a broader inspection of drug manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu and neighboring states. The government also issued advisories on pediatric cough syrup safety, emphasizing cautious prescribing and dispensing practices for children under five.
Regulatory and international context
India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) informed the WHO that the cited syrups contained DEG in quantities nearly 500 times the acceptable limit. The Indian health authorities stressed that none of the contaminated medicines were exported, and foreign regulators, including the United States, confirmed that these specific products were not shipped abroad.
Experts say cases like this highlight the vulnerability of supply chains for pediatric medicines and the need for stringent quality testing, batch-level recalls, and transparent communication with the public. WHO’s alert aims to prevent cross-border distribution of tainted products and to support countries in implementing rapid risk assessments if similar batches surface in their markets.
What families and clinicians should know
Health authorities have reiterated that cough syrups are generally not recommended for children under two years of age and should be used with caution in younger kids. When cough syrups are prescribed, clinicians should verify product origin, batch numbers, and registration status. Parents and caregivers should avoid over-the-counter syrups without medical advice and seek immediate care if a child shows unusual symptoms or adverse reactions after taking a medicine.
What comes next?
Public health agencies are intensifying surveillance for suspicious or recalled medicines and are coordinating with manufacturers to ensure full traceability of products. The WHO continues to monitor reports from member states and is ready to issue further guidance if new tainted batches are detected. Consumers are advised to report any concerns to national drug regulatory authorities and to discard any suspicious or unregistered syrups in household medicine cabinets.
Bottom line
The identification of three contaminated cough syrups, including the infamous Coldrif, underscores the ongoing risk of substandard or adulterated medicines. Prompt regulatory action, robust testing, and vigilant public communication are essential to protect children and restore trust in essential pediatric medicines.
