WHO Issues Global Alert Over Contaminated Cough Syrups Found in India

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, October 13, issued a medical product alert for three contaminated cough and cold syrups produced in India, urging national regulators to report any detections and intensify surveillance, particularly in informal distribution channels.

The affected products are specific batches of Coldrif (Sresan Pharmaceutical), Respifresh TR (Rednex Pharmaceuticals), and ReLife (Shape Pharma). According to India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), laboratory tests detected diethylene glycol (DEG) at levels nearly 500 times above the legal limit. The syrups were reportedly consumed by children under five who died recently in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

WHO stated that these syrups, commonly used to treat cold and flu symptoms, pose severe health risks. The contamination with DEG can lead to serious illness or death, especially in children. The agency classified the products as substandard, warning they fail to meet required quality standards.

Indian authorities have already suspended production at the implicated facilities, revoked product authorizations, and initiated recalls. CDSCO confirmed that the products were not exported and found no evidence of illegal shipment. However, WHO has advised regulators globally to increase market monitoring for oral liquid medicines from the same manufacturers since December 2024.

DEG poisoning can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, urinary retention, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury, which can be fatal. WHO urged immediate removal of the products from circulation and called on healthcare professionals to report adverse events.

The agency also advised the public to avoid using the affected products, seek prompt medical help if they have been consumed, and only obtain medicines from authorised sources. Anyone with information on their supply or distribution is urged to contact rapidalert@who.int.