WHO Issues Global Alert Over Contaminated Indian Cough Syrups

 

NEW DELHI, October 15, 2025 (Xinhua) — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert concerning three contaminated cough syrups identified in India, calling on all countries to remain vigilant and report any detection of these dangerous products.

According to the WHO statement released on Monday, the affected syrups include Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife, which were manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma, respectively. Laboratory analyses have confirmed that certain batches of these products are substandard and unsafe for human consumption.

Toxic Ingredients and Fatal Consequences

The contaminated syrups were found to contain diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic industrial solvent used in antifreeze and brake fluids — at dangerously high levels. In the case of Coldrif, Indian authorities discovered more than 45 percent diethylene glycol in its composition, far exceeding permissible limits.

DEG poisoning can cause severe kidney failure, nervous system damage, and even death. Tragically, the consequences have already been devastating. At least 24 children in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and three others in the western state of Rajasthan have died in recent weeks after consuming the tainted cough syrup. Most of the victims were under the age of five, and many developed acute renal failure before succumbing to the poisoning.

Regulatory Response in India

In response to the alarming findings, authorities in Tamil Nadu revoked the manufacturing license of Sresan Pharmaceutical, the company responsible for producing Coldrif. The state government has also ordered the complete shutdown of the facility and launched a wider investigation into other products from the same manufacturer.

The WHO has urged all National Regulatory Authorities and National Pharmacovigilance Centers worldwide to remain alert for the presence of these products in their markets. Health professionals have been advised to report any suspected cases of substandard or falsified medicines and any related adverse effects immediately.

Global Health Implications

This latest incident echoes a series of similar tragedies involving contaminated cough syrups exported from India in recent years. In 2022 and 2023, the WHO linked Indian-made cough syrups to child deaths in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, leading to international scrutiny of India’s pharmaceutical export standards.

India, often called “the pharmacy of the world,” supplies nearly 20 percent of global generic medicines. However, experts say these repeated safety lapses highlight the urgent need for tighter regulation and stronger quality control measures to restore global confidence in Indian pharmaceuticals.

The WHO reiterated that contaminated medicines “pose a serious threat to public health,” urging all governments, suppliers, and distributors to verify the origin and quality of medicinal products before use or sale.

As investigations continue, families of the victims in India demand justice and stronger oversight to prevent further loss of life caused by substandard medicines.