WHO Issues Alert Over Substandard Cough Syrups in India

New Delhi, Oct 14: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a global alert against three India-made cough syrups — Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife — after they were found to be contaminated with toxic chemicals linked to multiple child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The alert follows reports that at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh and three in Rajasthan, mostly under the age of five, died of suspected kidney failure after consuming the syrups. WHO has urged national regulatory authorities to report immediately if the products are detected in their countries.

According to the alert issued on Monday, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic substance that can cause acute kidney injury and death — in samples of the three syrups. The contaminated batches were manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma.

Following the findings, state authorities have suspended the production licences of the implicated manufacturers, halted product authorisations, and initiated recalls of the affected batches.

While the CDSCO informed WHO that none of the contaminated syrups had been exported, the global health body urged all countries to maintain strict surveillance, especially in informal and unregulated drug markets.

“The contaminated oral liquid medicines pose significant risks and are unsafe for use, especially in children,” WHO warned, advising healthcare professionals to report any adverse effects and urging the public to avoid the identified products and seek immediate medical attention if exposed. (Agencies)