In its Medical Product Alert N°5/2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged three oral liquid medicines in India as substandard and contaminated, following reports of child illnesses and fatalities.  The medicines — COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife — are produced by Sresan Pharmaceutical, Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma, respectively.

Tests revealed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) — a toxic chemical — in these syrups, at dangerous concentrations far exceeding safety limits. The contaminated batches reportedly contributed to clusters of severe illness and child fatalities in India. 

Indian authorities, including the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), have initiated immediate actions: halting production at implicated sites, suspending product authorizations, and recalling contaminated batches.  The CDSCO has informed WHO that, to date, there is no evidence that the contaminated medicines were exported outside India.

WHO urges national regulatory authorities worldwide to conduct surveillance in supply chains — particularly unregulated or informal markets — for these products or others from the same manufacturers.  Health professionals and the public are advised: do not use these suspected syrups, report any adverse reactions, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms arise. 

This alert underscores the critical need for rigorous quality control in pharmaceutical production, especially for pediatric medicines — where contamination can have devastating effects.