WHO Issues Global Alert Over Three Toxic Indian Cough Syrups Linked To Children's Deaths In Madhya Pradesh

The World Health Organisation has issued a global medical alert against three contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India, following the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. The contaminated medicines have been identified as specific batches of Coldrif, Respifresh TR and ReLife, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals and Shape Pharma.

India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation informed the WHO that laboratory tests detected diethylene glycol in at least three oral liquid medicines, with the toxic solvent present at levels nearly 500 times the permissible limit.

The contaminated products were reportedly consumed by the affected children, all under the age of five, who recently died in Chhindwara, with most victims from Parasia village.

These contaminated products pose significant risks to patients and can cause severe and potentially life-threatening illness, as diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.

The industrial solvent, commonly used in brake fluids and paints, was found at 48. 6 per cent in samples of Coldrif syrup, far exceeding the 0. 1 per cent permissible limit.

The CDSCO has confirmed that relevant state authorities have ordered an immediate halt to production at implicated manufacturing sites and have suspended product authorisations, whilst a recall of the contaminated products has been initiated.

The CDSCO has informed WHO that none of the contaminated medicines have been exported from India, and there is currently no evidence of illegal export. The US Food and Drug Administration also confirmed that no contaminated batches were shipped to the United States.

Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the company behind the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup linked to child deaths in Madhya Pradesh, has been ordered to shut down, and its manufacturing licence has been completely revoked.

The company's owner, G Ranganathan, was arrested by Madhya Pradesh police in Chennai.

Following the tragedy, the Indian government issued an advisory urging states and union territories to exercise caution when prescribing cough syrups to children.

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