WHO Warns Against Three Cough Syrups in India, Including Coldrif

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning against three cough syrups manufactured in India, including the controversial Coldrif syrup, which recently sparked outrage following the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh.

According to reports, the WHO has identified specific batches of Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma as contaminated and potentially dangerous. The global health agency has urged health authorities worldwide to remain vigilant and report if any of these products are found in their countries.

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Coldrif, produced by the Tamil Nadu–based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, came under intense scrutiny after laboratory tests detected diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical historically linked to mass poisoning cases. The syrup has been linked to the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh, most of them from Parasia village in Chhindwara district.

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Following the findings, Sresan Pharmaceuticals’ manufacturing license was revoked by authorities amid widespread public outrage.

WHO said the syrups identified in India pose serious health risks and can cause severe or potentially life-threatening illnesses, according to news agency Reuters.