In a grave public health alert, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning against the use of three India-manufactured cough syrups, including the widely distributed Coldrif, following the deaths of at least 14 children in Madhya Pradesh. The syrups, found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG)—a toxic industrial solvent—have been declared “Not of Standard Quality” by India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Drug Testing Laboratory in Chennai.
The WHO’s alert, issued on October 12, 2025, urges immediate withdrawal of the affected batches and calls for enhanced regulatory scrutiny across India’s pharmaceutical supply chain. The incident has triggered a nationwide crackdown on cough syrup manufacturers, with criminal proceedings initiated against the producer of Coldrif and risk-based inspections launched across six states.
🧠 Key Highlights of WHO’s Cough Syrup Alert
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Alert Issued By | World Health Organization (WHO) |
| Date of Alert | October 12, 2025 |
| Affected State | Madhya Pradesh |
| Reported Deaths | 14 children |
| Contaminant Found | Diethylene Glycol (DEG) |
| Syrups Flagged | Coldrif, Kofex, and Mucorid (as per CDSCO findings) |
| Manufacturer Action | License suspended, criminal case filed |
The WHO has also advised other countries to monitor for possible exports of the flagged syrups, citing previous global incidents involving DEG contamination.
📊 Timeline of Events in Madhya Pradesh Tragedy
| Date | Event Description |
|---|---|
| September 28 | First child death reported in Ujjain |
| October 2 | Total deaths rise to 14 across 3 districts |
| October 4 | CDSCO confirms DEG contamination in Coldrif |
| October 5 | Doctor prescribing syrup arrested |
| October 12 | WHO issues global alert |
The affected children, aged between 2 and 6, reportedly consumed the syrup for seasonal cough and cold symptoms before developing acute kidney failure.
🗣️ Reactions from Health Authorities and Public
- Union Health Ministry: “We are committed to ensuring drug safety and have initiated a nationwide audit.”
- WHO Spokesperson: “This is a preventable tragedy. Regulatory vigilance must be strengthened.”
- Public Health Experts: “This is a wake-up call for India’s pharma oversight mechanisms.”
| Stakeholder Group | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Parents and Families | Demanding accountability and compensation |
| State Health Officials | Ordered immediate recall of flagged syrups |
| Pharma Industry Leaders | Urging tighter quality control protocols |
| Civil Society | Calling for transparency and justice |
The incident has reignited concerns over India’s pharmaceutical exports and domestic drug safety standards.
🧾 Technical Findings from Drug Testing Laboratory
| Parameter Tested | Result for Coldrif Syrup | Permissible Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Diethylene Glycol (DEG) | 48.6% by volume | 0.1% (trace only) |
| Ethylene Glycol | Detected in unsafe concentrations | Not permitted |
| Labeling Compliance | Incomplete batch traceability | Non-compliant |
| Manufacturing Hygiene | Under investigation | Pending report |
The CDSCO has suspended the manufacturing license of the implicated firm and is coordinating with state drug controllers for further action.
🧭 What Happens Next
- Product Recall: Coldrif and other flagged syrups withdrawn from shelves nationwide
- Legal Action: Manufacturer and prescribing doctor under criminal investigation
- Regulatory Reform: CDSCO to revise inspection protocols and testing frequency
- Public Awareness: Helplines and advisories issued for parents and caregivers
The WHO has also recommended that healthcare providers avoid prescribing untested pediatric syrups and that pharmacists verify batch numbers before dispensing.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on verified health alerts, regulatory disclosures, and media reports as of October 14, 2025. It is intended for editorial use and public awareness. The information does not constitute medical advice, legal opinion, or pharmaceutical endorsement and adheres to ethical journalism standards.
