Coldrif among 3 Indian cough syrups flagged as ‘substandard’ by WHO | Which are they? | Latest News India
In the wake of the deaths of 22 children in Madhya Pradesh, the World Health Organization has identified three Indian-made cough syrups as “substandard” due to contamination. The most prominent case involves Coldrif, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals, which was found to contain 8.6% diethylene glycol (DEG) — vastly higher than the permissible limit of 0.1%. Two other syrups, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals and ReLife from Shape Pharma, were also flagged; they showed DEG contamination levels of 1.342% and 0.616%, respectively. As a result, Indian regulators have ordered recalls and halted production of these medications. Sresan’s manufacturing license has been revoked and its owner arrested. Although none of the contaminated batches were reported exported, the incident has triggered heightened scrutiny over drug safety and regulatory oversight in India.
The Key points
- Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife are the three syrups flagged by WHO.
- Coldrif contained 8.6% diethylene glycol (DEG), far above safe levels.
- Respifresh TR’s DEG level measured 1.342%, ReLife’s 0.616%.
- The contamination was linked to the deaths of 22 children in Madhya Pradesh.
- The deaths were largely due to kidney failure and infections from the toxin.
- Sresan Pharmaceuticals lost its manufacturing license and its proprietor was arrested.
- Production of the flagged syrups has been halted across manufacturers.
- All contaminated batches were reportedly confined to domestic distribution.
- Indian regulators have issued immediate recalls of the affected products.
- The incident raises serious concerns about drug safety mechanisms and oversight.
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