The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning about three Indian-made cough syrups intended for children aged 1 to 5 years, citing dangerously high levels of a toxic chemical called diethylene glycol.
According to the WHO alert, the concentration of diethylene glycol found in these syrups is up to 500 times higher than the approved limit. Excessive intake of this chemical can cause kidney failure, nervous system damage, and even death.
The three cough syrups identified in the warning are:
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Coldrif – manufactured by ShreSan Pharmaceuticals
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Respifresh TR – manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals
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Relife – manufactured by Shape Pharma
In August this year, 17 children in India died after consuming Coldrif syrup produced by ShreSan Pharmaceuticals. Earlier, in 2023, similar incidents involving contaminated Indian-made syrups led to the deaths of 141 children in Uzbekistan, Cameroon, and The Gambia.
India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) stated that it is aware of the WHO warning and will take necessary steps to strengthen and refine the country’s drug quality control system.
Health experts warn that this incident once again highlights the urgent need for strict international standards in the production of children’s medicines to prevent future public health disasters.