The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global medical product alert for three cough and cold syrups identified in India after laboratory tests revealed dangerous levels of a toxic substance. The products have been linked to the deaths of at least 17 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.
In a statement released on Monday, October 13, WHO urged national regulators worldwide to step up surveillance, particularly in informal supply chains, and report any detection of the affected syrups in their markets.
The syrups in question are:
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Coldrif, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical
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Respifresh TR, by Rednex Pharmaceuticals
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ReLife, by Shape Pharma
India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) informed WHO on October 8, 2025, that the syrups contained diethylene glycol (DEG)—a highly toxic industrial solvent—at concentrations nearly 500 times the permissible limit.
The contaminated syrups, commonly used to treat symptoms of colds and coughs, were reportedly consumed by children under the age of five who later died. WHO warned that the products pose a serious risk to public health, stating:
“Diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can cause severe and potentially fatal illness. Use of these contaminated medicines, especially in children, may result in serious injury or death.”
The affected medicines are classified as substandard, as they fail to meet quality standards and specifications.
According to CDSCO, state regulators have suspended manufacturing licenses at the implicated sites, halted production, and initiated product recalls. Authorities also reported that none of the contaminated syrups have been exported, and there is currently no evidence of illegal exportation. However, WHO is advising regulatory bodies to remain vigilant and conduct targeted market surveillance, particularly for oral liquid medicines produced by the same manufacturers since December 2024.
WHO outlined the potential symptoms of DEG poisoning, including:
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Abdominal pain
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Vomiting and diarrhoea
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Inability to urinate
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Headache and altered mental state
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Acute kidney injury, which may be fatal
The agency is urging healthcare workers to report any adverse reactions through national pharmacovigilance systems and is calling for immediate removal of the products from circulation.
For the public, WHO’s guidance is clear:
“If you are in possession of any of these products, do not use them. If you or someone you know has used them or experienced unexpected side effects, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control centre.”
Consumers are reminded to obtain all medical products only from licensed and authorised suppliers. Anyone with information on the manufacture or distribution of the contaminated products is encouraged to contact WHO at rapidalert@who.int.
