WHO Warns Against 3 Cough Syrups In India, Including Coldrif, After MP Child Deaths

World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a significant warning against three Indian-made cough syrups, including the infamous Coldrif, weeks after the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh were linked to the consumption of a contaminated syrup. The global health agency has urged authorities in all countries to report any detection of these products, highlighting the severe risks they pose.The three syrups identified by the WHO are Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma.

The alert follows a major health crisis in Madhya Pradesh, where lab tests confirmed that Coldrif syrup was dangerously contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial solvent. According to India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), the syrup contained DEG in quantities nearly 500 times the permissible limit.In the wake of the tragedy, which primarily affected children under the age of five in Chhindwara district, Indian authorities took swift action.

The manufacturing license of the Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals was revoked, and its owner was arrested. The Indian government also issued a broader advisory urging caution in prescribing cough syrups to young children.While the WHO issued its global alert, Indian health authorities have clarified that the contaminated batches of these specific medicines were not exported from the country.

The US also confirmed that it had not received shipments of the toxic syrups. Nonetheless, the WHO’s warning underscores the grave danger posed by these products, which it said can cause severe, potentially life-threatening illness.