Toxic Cough Syrups Linked to Child Deaths in India Spark Global Health Warnings
Production at three pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in India has been suspended after state authorities confirmed at least 24 children had died after taking contaminated cough syrups.
India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recalled all bottles containing contaminated syrups, while a doctor and a pharmaceutical company owner have been arrested.
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued medical product alerts for Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife cough syrups, batches of which had each been identified by the CDSCO as being contaminated with toxic diethylene glycol (DEG).
- Coldrif, made by Sresan Pharmaceutical in Tamil Nadu state, was the worst affected, with one batch from May 2025 containing nearly 50% DEG by mass.
- This is far greater than the 0.1% maximum allowed by Indian law.
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Author's summary: Toxic cough syrups in India spark global health warnings.