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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a global warning after discovering three contaminated cough syrups in India.
The affected medicines—COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife—were produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma.
In a medical product alert released on Monday, the WHO said the syrups contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic substance that poses serious and potentially fatal health risks.
The contaminated medicines, commonly used to treat cold and flu symptoms, were reported to the organisation by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) on October 8, 2025.
The WHO revealed that several clusters of acute illness and child deaths in India had been linked to the products.
Following investigations, Indian authorities immediately ordered production to stop at the affected factories, suspended their product authorisations, and initiated a nationwide recall.
According to CDSCO, none of the tainted medicines have been exported from India, and there is currently no evidence of illegal export.
However, the WHO urged National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) in all countries to strengthen surveillance, especially in informal and unregulated markets, to prevent possible circulation.
The UN agency stressed that these medicines are substandard, failing to meet safety and quality standards. It warned that diethylene glycol is highly poisonous when ingested and can lead to severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney failure, and death—particularly in children.
Health professionals were advised to report any adverse reactions or suspected cases to national pharmacovigilance centres, while the public was cautioned against using the affected products.
“Anyone in possession of these medicines should stop using them immediately and seek medical help if symptoms occur,” WHO advised, urging the purchase of medical products only from licensed and authorised suppliers.
The organisation confirmed ongoing collaboration with Indian authorities to trace the source of the contamination and prevent further harm.
