Has WHO Identified Contaminated Cough Syrups in India, Including Coldrif?
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Synopsis
The WHO has identified three dangerous cough syrups from India, including Coldrif, linked to several children's deaths. Authorities are on high alert, urging strict oversight in pharmaceutical production to prevent future tragedies.
Key Takeaways
- The WHO has flagged three contaminated cough syrups made in India.
- Coldrif is one of the syrups linked to child fatalities.
- DEG contamination levels in Coldrif were alarmingly high.
- Regulatory actions are being taken against the manufacturers.
- A national advisory has been issued regarding cough syrup prescriptions for children.
New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has flagged three contaminated syrups produced in India, notably the notorious Coldrif cough syrup, and has called on global authorities to notify the agency if any of these products are discovered in their countries.
This announcement follows the tragic deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh, which were associated with the use of tainted cough syrup.
Among the contaminated syrups highlighted by the WHO is Coldrif, which has generated significant outrage after the reported fatalities.
The global health organization pointed out specific batches of Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma as being compromised.
The WHO cautioned that these syrups could result in severe and life-threatening health issues.
Manufactured in Tamil Nadu, Coldrif raised alarm bells after it was discovered to be dangerously contaminated with the hazardous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG).
Tests showed DEG levels surpassing 48 percent — a shocking figure well over the permissible limit of 0.1 percent.
In response, Sresan Pharmaceuticals had its manufacturing license revoked, and its owner, G. Ranganathan, was arrested.
Authorities have also initiated a thorough inspection of other pharmaceutical manufacturers across the southern state to uncover any potential quality control issues.
The tragic deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh prompted the Central Government to issue a cautionary advisory to all states and union territories, calling for heightened vigilance in prescribing cough syrups for children.
The advisory specifically indicated that such medications should not be prescribed to children under two years of age and are generally discouraged for those below five.
Health officials have stressed that this incident underscores the urgent necessity for stricter regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector to avert similar calamities.
Point of View
I assert that the recent WHO alert regarding contaminated cough syrups highlights a critical failure in pharmaceutical oversight in India. The tragic deaths of children demand an immediate and robust response from regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of medicines. Nation must advocate for comprehensive reform to prevent such incidents in the future.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the contaminated cough syrups identified by WHO?
The WHO has identified three contaminated syrups: Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma.
What is the health risk associated with these syrups?
The contaminated syrups may cause severe and potentially life-threatening illnesses due to their adulteration.
What action has been taken against Sresan Pharmaceuticals?
Sresan Pharmaceuticals had its manufacturing license revoked, and its owner was arrested following the discovery of contamination.
What precautions are being advised for cough syrup prescriptions?
The Central Government has advised against prescribing cough syrups to children under two years of age and suggests caution for those under five.
Why is this incident significant?
This incident underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations in pharmaceutical manufacturing to prevent future tragedies.
