WHO Flags 3 Indian Cough Syrups After Coldrif Deaths In Madhya Pradesh

Weeks after the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrup, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified three such syrups in India. The agency has urged authorities worldwide to report back if any of these products are found in their countries.

Among the syrups flagged is Coldrif, which has been at the centre of controversy following the children’s deaths. The WHO reportedly listed specific batches of Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma as contaminated products.

Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer, had its licence revoked after tests confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical historically associated with mass poisoning incidents. The syrup was linked to the deaths of at least 22 children, most of them from Parasia village in Chhindwara district.