The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global health alert over three Indian-manufactured cough syrups — Coldrif, ReLife, and Respifresh TR — found contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical. The warning follows the death of 21 children in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, who suffered acute kidney failure after consuming Coldrif syrup.
Laboratory tests revealed DEG contamination levels up to 48.6%, far exceeding safety limits. DEG, used in industrial products like antifreeze, is highly poisonous and can cause vomiting, kidney damage, and death, especially in children.
Investigations by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) found over 300 violations at Sresan Pharmaceuticals, including non-compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). WHO urged all countries to monitor supply chains and ensure the affected products are not in circulation.
This marks another tragic recurrence of DEG poisoning, following similar incidents in Gambia, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan in recent years — highlighting ongoing gaps in pharmaceutical safety and regulatory oversight.
