In a major health alert, the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 13, flagged three Indian-made cough syrups- Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife as dangerous and potentially life-threatening. These products, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma, contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical linked to the deaths of over 20 children in Madhya Pradesh.
The contaminated syrups were used primarily in children under five years old. Tests revealed DEG levels nearly 500 times higher than the permissible limit, causing severe kidney failure, vomiting, fever, and in some cases, death. The Indian drug regulator, CDSCO, confirmed that none of these products were exported, and the US FDA verified that they weren’t shipped abroad.
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Authorities have since revoked Sresan Pharmaceuticals’ manufacturing license and arrested its owner, G. Ranganathan. Several states have banned the use of these syrups, especially for children under two years old.
(This story has been published from a syndicated feed.)
