Coldrif syrup ban: On October 8, Indian authorities advised the public to avoid two additional brands of cough syrup, following the tragic deaths of 22 children under the age of five linked to a toxic ingredient. The World Health Organization (WHO) flagged a “regulatory gap” in India’s screening of locally sold syrups. Officials reported that the children had consumed cough medicines containing diethylene glycol (DEG) in amounts nearly 500 times above the permissible limit. All deaths were initially tied to Coldrif, which was banned after tests confirmed DEG contamination on October 2. As regulatory scrutiny continues, two more syrups have now been banned.India Declares Three Cough Syrups ‘Toxic’ After DEG ContaminationWhile Coldrif was linked to all the child deaths, regulators in India, the world’s third-largest medicine producer have now advised consumers to avoid Respifresh TR and ReLife as well. None of these syrups have been exported, though the WHO warned of potential risks through unregulated channels.Also Read: Cough Syrup Row: Death Toll Rise To 22 As 2 More Children Succumb Details of the Three DEG-Contaminated Cough SyrupsHealth alerts from Gujarat and other states describe both Respifresh and ReLife as containing DEG, “a toxic chemical that can cause serious poisoning, including kidney failure, neurological complications, and even death, particularly in children.”COLDRIFThis syrup was linked to the deaths of children from Madhya Pradesh, who mostly died of kidney failure in government hospitals in other states. Produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical Manufacturer in Tamil Nadu, tests found it contained 48.6% diethylene glycol, far above the 0.1% limit set by India and WHO. The syrup has been banned, and the company owner has been arrested.RESPIFRESH TRSo far, this syrup has not been linked to any deaths. It is manufactured by Rednex Pharmaceuticals in Gujarat and was found to contain 1.342% DEG, according to WHO reports. The syrup has been recalled, and the company has been ordered to halt production of all medical products.RELIFERelife syrup also has not been connected to any deaths. Made by Shape Pharma in Gujarat in January 2025, with an expiry date of December 2026, it was found to contain 0.616% DEG. Like Respifresh, it has been recalled and production of all products by the company has been suspended.WHO Calls Out Gap in India’s Cough Syrup TestingIn response to nationwide outrage over children’s deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the WHO highlighted a “regulatory gap” in India regarding the testing for diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in domestically marketed medicines. The agency also warned that such contaminated products could reach other countries through unregulated channels.The WHO expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and extended condolences to the families. It said it had contacted the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for clarification on the contaminated medicines and whether they had been exported. The CDSCO confirmed that DEG was detected in at least three cough syrups, Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife.Coldrif Owner ArrestedThe owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, G Ranganathan, was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with the adulterated cough syrup case. The arrest followed the deaths of over 20 children from Madhya Pradesh who had consumed the contaminated syrup allegedly manufactured at the company’s facility. The Tamil Nadu government had previously sealed the factory after the incident came to light.
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