The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged three contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India, including the widely known Coldrif, and has urged authorities globally to report any detection of these products in their countries. This development follows the tragic deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh linked to the consumption of adulterated cough syrup. The syrups identified are Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma. WHO has warned that these syrups can cause severe and potentially life-threatening illnesses.

The Coldrif syrup, produced in Tamil Nadu, was found to contain dangerously high levels of the toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG), with tests showing concentrations exceeding 48%, far above the permissible limit of 0.1%. Following this, Sresan Pharmaceuticals had its manufacturing license revoked, and its owner G. Ranganathan was arrested. Authorities also ordered comprehensive inspections of other drug manufacturers in the southern state to check for lapses in quality control.

In response to the incident, the Central government issued an advisory to all states and union territories, urging extreme caution in prescribing cough syrups for children, particularly those under two years of age and generally not recommended for children under five. Health experts have stressed that this incident underscores the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight of pharmaceutical manufacturing to prevent similar tragedies in the future.