WHO Issues Global Alert Over Three Indian Cough Syrups Linked to Child Deaths, Citing Export Risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a crucial Medical Product Alert (N°5/2025) concerning three oral liquid medicines manufactured in India that have been found to be fatally contaminated. The alert follows the recent tragic deaths and severe illnesses among children in India, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh, after consuming the syrups.

The contaminated medicines have been identified as specific batches of COLDRIF (manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical), Respifresh TR (manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals), and ReLife (manufactured by Shape Pharma). These syrups, commonly used to relieve cold, flu, and cough symptoms, were found to contain unacceptable levels of Diethylene Glycol (DEG)—a toxic industrial solvent that is fatal when consumed and has been linked to acute kidney failure. In the case of Coldrif, contamination was reported to be nearly 500 times the permissible limit.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) of India informed the WHO that it has taken swift action, ordering an immediate halt to production at the implicated manufacturing sites, suspending product authorizations, and initiating a recall of the contaminated batches. Indian health authorities have stated that, based on their records, none of the contaminated products were exported from the country.

Despite this assurance, the WHO expressed deep concern over the persistent threat of such toxic products reaching international markets. “The WHO encourages National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to consider targeted market surveillance, with particular attention to informal and unregulated supply chains where products may circulate undetected,” a spokesperson for the global health body noted. This caution comes after previous incidents where contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India were linked to over 100 child deaths in countries like The Gambia and Uzbekistan in recent years.

Health authorities worldwide are advised to increase vigilance within their supply chains and report the detection of these substandard products to the WHO immediately. The alert underscores the ongoing need for rigorous testing of raw materials and finished pharmaceutical products in India to prevent the substitution of pharmaceutical-grade solvents with toxic industrial chemicals.