WHO issues warning over 3 Indian cough syrups

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding three cough syrups produced in India that were intended for children aged between one and five years.

The syrups in question are Coldrif, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical; Respifresh TR, made by Rednex Pharmaceutical; and Relife, produced by Shape Pharma.

According to WHO, the warning was prompted by the presence of diethylene glycol at dangerously high levels in the syrups. Although diethylene glycol is sometimes used in small amounts in cough syrup production, excessive levels can turn it into a toxic substance. The agency reported that the concentration found in these three syrups was up to 500 times higher than the permitted limit.

In August, 17 children in India reportedly died after consuming Coldrif syrup produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical. Previously, in 2023, another Indian manufacturer’s syrup caused the deaths of 141 children in Uzbekistan, Cameroon, and The Gambia.

Officials from India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said they are aware of the WHO alert and will take necessary measures to tighten and refine quality control over medicinal products.