Translated with AI
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about batches of dangerous cold and cough syrups found in India that contain toxic impurities.
The syrups in question are COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife , manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma . Traces of diethylene glycol (DEG) have been detected in these medications, with concentrations nearly 500 times higher than the permissible limit.
The WHO emphasized that taking these medications poses a serious health risk and can cause severe complications, including death , especially in children. The organization's statement noted: "When ingested, diethylene glycol is toxic to the human body and can lead to death. These medications are unsafe, and their use, especially by children, can cause severe poisoning or death."
According to India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) , information about the presence of diethylene glycol in syrups was received on October 8, 2025. A week earlier, the WHO received reports of cases of acute illness and death in children in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. To date , at least 20 children are known to have died after ingesting contaminated syrups , most of them children under five who had taken COLDRIF.
Indian authorities immediately suspended production of the drugs in question and revoked their marketing authorizations . According to the CDSCO, the contaminated syrups were not exported outside the country . However, the WHO warns that the products could still be exported to other countries through unregulated channels and recommends strengthening drug control.
Let us recall that in 2022–2023, the syrups "Doc-1 Max" and "Ambronol" from the Indian company Marion Biotech caused the death of at least 68 children in Uzbekistan, and another 16 children were left with disabilities.
