WHO Issues Alert Over Contaminated Cough Syrups in India After Child Deaths

Darwin, 15 October

New Delhi, India – October 15, 2025: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning regarding several cough syrups manufactured in India following reports of child fatalities. The alert comes after investigations revealed dangerously high levels of the toxic chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) in certain batches of three syrups: Cold-Ref, Respifresh TR, and Relif.

The toxic chemical, especially harmful to children, can cause kidney failure, neurological damage, and in severe cases, death. The syrups were produced by three Indian companies: Shree Shan Pharma, Rednex Pharma, and Chef Pharma. Following the discovery, state authorities across India have suspended production and revoked approvals for the affected products.

According to WHO, none of these syrups have been exported abroad, and there is no evidence of illegal exports. However, the organization has urged drug regulators worldwide to monitor other liquid medicines produced by these companies that have been on the market since December 2024.

At least 19 Child Deaths Reported in Madhya Pradesh

In Chhindwara district, Madhya Pradesh, at least 19 children have died after consuming the contaminated cough syrups. Local official Ajay Pandey stated, “Children initially suffered from cold and cough symptoms, which later progressed to kidney failure, resulting in their deaths.” Investigations confirmed that the Cold-Ref syrup contained diethylene glycol far above the approved limit, directly causing the fatalities.

Following the WHO warning, Shree Shan Pharma’s license in Tamil Nadu has been revoked, and its manufacturing facility sealed. Police have already arrested the company owner. Additionally, two senior drug inspectors in Kanchipuram have been suspended for failing to conduct regular inspections of the factory. The state government is also preparing to take legal action against the doctor who prescribed the toxic syrups to children.

This is not the first time Indian-produced cough syrups have been linked to child deaths. In 2023, exported syrups from India caused dozens of child fatalities in Uzbekistan and Gambia. Similarly, in 2022, a syrup produced by Indian company Maiden Pharma was linked to the deaths of over 60 children in Gambia.

WHO officials have stated that these incidents point to serious lapses in India’s drug manufacturing oversight. The organization has called on the Indian government to strengthen quality control, particularly for liquid medicines intended for children.