The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a global health alert over three contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India, urging countries to r
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a global health alert over three contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India, urging countries to report any detection of these products within their borders.
The affected syrups—Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceutical, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma—were found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic substance known to cause severe and potentially fatal health complications.
The alert follows the tragic deaths of several children under the age of five in Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, who reportedly consumed the contaminated syrups.
India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) confirmed that the toxic ingredient was present in quantities nearly 500 times above the permissible limit.
Although the CDSCO stated that none of the affected batches had been exported, WHO emphasised the need for global vigilance, given the potential for illegal distribution or cross-border movement of substandard medicines.
WHO’s advisory calls on national regulatory authorities to immediately investigate and report any presence of these syrups, and to ensure that such products are removed from circulation.
The organisation also urged pharmaceutical companies to strengthen quality control measures and adhere strictly to international safety standards.
This incident highlights the ongoing risks posed by substandard and falsified medical products, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where regulatory oversight may be limited.
In response, Indian health authorities have launched a nationwide crackdown on the manufacturers involved, halting production and initiating recalls of the contaminated batches.
Meanwhile, public health experts are calling for stronger international collaboration to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The WHO’s warning serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of pharmaceutical safety and the devastating consequences of regulatory lapses in the global drug supply chain.
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