Coldrif Named in WHO’s Substandard Cough Syrup List: The Three Indian Brands Revealed

WHO Alert: Following the deaths of 22 children in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district after consuming the toxic cough syrup  'Coldrif,'  the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared three cough syrups sold in India a dangerous product. The WHO has classified them as "contaminated and substandard." An investigation by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) found that Coldrif contained 500 times more (8.6%) than the 0.1% limit of a toxic substance called diethylene glycol (DEG). This substance causes kidney failure.

Tragedy of 22 Children in Madhya Pradesh 

Last month (October 2025), several children fell ill in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, of whom 22 died. All deaths were linked to the cough syrup  'Coldrif'  given to children. This syrup is commonly used for children. Investigations revealed that DEG contamination in the syrup caused kidney infections and failure in the children. The CDSCO informed the WHO about this but clarified that these contaminated medicines were not exported.

These are three dangerous syrups

The WHO's latest advisory has directed the ban on three syrups—Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and Relief—as they contained DEG levels far exceeding the prescribed limit. Let's learn about them:

Coldrif Cough Syrup

• Manufacturer: Sresan Pharmaceuticals of Tamil Nadu.
• Problem: The syrup contained 8.6 percent DEG, 86 times the 0.1 percent limit.
• Action: Several states, including Madhya Pradesh, issued "stop use" orders. The syrup was completely banned. It was advised not to give it to children under two years of age. The company's manufacturing license was revoked, and the owner, G. Ranganathan, was arrested.

Respifresh TR

• Manufacturer: Rednex Pharmaceuticals, Gujarat.
• Problem: Contained 1.342% DEG, which is above the permissible limit. While not directly linked to the child deaths, it was found to be contaminated.
• Action: This syrup, manufactured in January 2025 (expiry December 2026), was recalled. The entire production process was halted.

Relief

• Manufacturer: Shape Pharma.
• Problem: Contaminated syrup with 0.616% DEG.
• Action: An immediate recall was issued. The company was ordered to stop production of all medical products.

Government Strictness: Ban, Recall, and Investigation

CDSCO tested samples of these syrups and submitted a report to the WHO. The central government has issued an alert to all states. In Madhya Pradesh, the health department launched a campaign to remove these syrups from the market. Experts say that adulterants like DEG are used to avoid cheap glycol, which is proving fatal. The WHO has recommended monitoring such medicines globally.