Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert warning against the use of three contaminated cough syrups — Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife — after several child fatalities were reported in India. The syrups, commonly used to treat symptoms of cold and flu, were found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical.
Contaminated Batches Identified
According to WHO, on October 8, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) confirmed the presence of DEG in specific batches of the three syrups. These were manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma. Tests revealed DEG levels nearly 500 times the permissible limit — 48.6% compared to the 0.1% allowed. CDSCO recommended the cancellation of Sresan Pharmaceutical’s manufacturing license following the discovery.
Production Halt and Product Recall
India’s drug regulator has halted production at the implicated facilities and suspended product authorisations. State authorities have initiated a recall of the contaminated batches. WHO noted that, as of now, there is no evidence of these products being exported, even illegally. However, the organisation urged national regulators to intensify market surveillance, particularly across informal supply chains where contaminated medicines could circulate undetected.
Global Health Warning
WHO labelled the identified syrups as “substandard” because they fail to meet quality standards and pose severe health risks. The agency advised regulators to evaluate oral liquid medicines from the same manufacturers produced since December 2024. WHO is working closely with Indian authorities to trace the contamination source and prevent further public health damage.
