WHO Warns of Contaminated Indian Cough Syrups Linked to Child Deaths

By_Suraj Karowa

New Delhi, India – October 15, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global health advisory against three cough syrup brands manufactured in India, following the deaths of at least 19 children due to contamination with toxic diethylene glycol (DEG). The incident highlights ongoing quality control issues in India’s pharmaceutical sector, the world’s largest exporter of generic drugs.
The affected products are specific batches of Coldrif (produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu), Respifresh TR (Rednex Pharmaceuticals), and ReLife (Shape Pharma).

Laboratory tests revealed DEG levels far exceeding safe limits, a solvent that can cause acute kidney failure, neurological damage, and death, particularly in young children.
Timeline of the Crisis
The outbreak began in late September 2025, with clusters of acute illnesses reported among children in Madhya Pradesh. Initial symptoms included coughs and colds, escalating to renal failure. By early October, authorities linked the deaths to Coldrif syrup, prompting investigations.

October 5: Ajau Pandey, superintendent of Chhindwara district, confirmed 19 deaths in Parasia village, attributing them to DEG poisoning.

October 9: Funerals underscored the tragedy, with families like Nilesh Suryavanshi mourning a 3.5-year-old victim.

October 10: Parents, including Saddam Mansuri, displayed contaminated bottles, demanding accountability.

Last Week: Tamil Nadu police arrested Sresan’s owner; two drug inspectors faced license revocation for inspection lapses.

October 14: WHO advisory issued, urging recall and vigilance on other liquids from these firms since December 2024.

Indian regulators, via the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), halted production, suspended licenses, and recalled stocks. No exports occurred, per WHO, but global bodies were alerted to unregulated chains. A Tamil Nadu doctor prescribing the syrup is under scrutiny, with a police case pending.

Human Impact and Family Stories
In Parasia, grief-stricken parents described rapid deterioration: “It started with a simple cough, then my child couldn’t breathe,” said one mother anonymously. Hospitals in Chhindwara reported overwhelmed wards, with autopsies confirming DEG toxicity. The chemical, sometimes substituted for safer propylene glycol in substandard manufacturing, mimics antifreeze and attacks vital organs.

This isn’t isolated. In 2023, Indian syrups caused deaths in Uzbekistan (18 children) and The Gambia (70+). In 2022, Maiden Pharmaceuticals’ products were suspended after linking to 60+ Gambian and 20 Indonesian child fatalities from similar contaminants (DEG and ethylene glycol).
Broader Implications for India’s Pharma Industry
India produces 20% of global generics, exporting $25 billion annually. Experts blame lax oversight, counterfeit inputs, and profit-driven shortcuts. “Weak supply chain monitoring allows toxic substitutions,” said a WHO spokesperson. Post-2022 scandals, reforms included mandatory testing, but gaps persist.

The government has seized raw materials from suppliers and expanded probes. Pharmaceutical exports face heightened scrutiny, potentially affecting global supplies of affordable medicines. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya vowed stricter GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) enforcement.
Global Response and Prevention
WHO recommends testing all suspect liquids and reporting adverse events. Countries like the US and EU have banned imports from implicated firms before. Advocacy groups call for international audits and victim compensation funds.

As investigations continue, families seek justice. “Greed killed our children,” said a relative. This tragedy underscores the need for robust regulation to protect vulnerable populations worldwide.