The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a warning over three contaminated cough syrups discovered in India, urging the public to avoid their use due to serious health risks.
In an alert released on Monday, WHO identified the affected syrups as COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife, produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma. The global health body said the products contain Diethylene Glycol (DEG) — a toxic substance that can cause severe illness or death if ingested.
According to WHO, the contaminated syrups were reported on October 8, 2025, following multiple cases of acute illness and child fatalities in India. The syrups, commonly used to treat cold, flu, and cough symptoms, were confirmed to contain DEG by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
Following the discovery, Indian authorities ordered an immediate halt to production at the implicated sites and suspended product authorisations. A recall of the contaminated batches has also been initiated.
While WHO confirmed that none of the tainted syrups have been exported, it urged National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) worldwide to strengthen market surveillance, especially within unregulated supply chains, and to test any similar products made by the same manufacturers since December 2024.
The organisation warned that the contaminated syrups pose a life-threatening risk, particularly to children, with possible symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to urinate, headaches, confusion, and acute kidney injury, which may lead to death.
WHO further called on healthcare professionals to report any suspected cases or side effects linked to these products to their national authorities and advised the public to only purchase medicines from licensed suppliers.
“Anyone who has used these products or experienced adverse effects should seek immediate medical attention,” the alert stated.
