The World Health Organization (WHO) has reportedly issued a medical product alert after receiving confirmation that several oral liquid medicines used to treat colds and coughs in India contained a toxic chemical linked to fatal poisoning in children.

According to WHO, Indian health authorities informed the agency on October 8, 2025, that Diethylene Glycol (DEG) had been detected in at least three liquid medicines: COLDRIF, Respifresh TR, and ReLife. These products were reportedly manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical,Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and Shape Pharma, respectively.

WHO stated that these medicines, commonly used to relieve symptoms of cold, cough, and flu, had been linked to localized clusters of acute illness and multiple child fatalities. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) of India reportedly confirmed the presence of DEG—a toxic chemical compound not meant for human consumption.

DEG is known to cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, kidney failure, neurological complications, and death, especially in children, WHO warned.

WHO reported that CDSCO had suspended the licenses of the implicated manufacturers and ordered an immediate halt to their production operations. In addition, a product recall was said to have been launched by the relevant Indian state authorities.

According to the WHO’s official update, CDSCO has indicated that none of the contaminated products had been exported outside India. However, the global health body recommended that regulatory agencies in other countries conduct targeted surveillance, particularly within informal supply chains, where products may be distributed without proper oversight.

WHO emphasized that Diethylene Glycol poisoning could result in life-threatening symptoms, especially among vulnerable populations such as children. Symptoms may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and abdominal pain
• Inability to pass urine
• Altered mental state
• Acute kidney injury, which could be fatal if untreated

The agency classified the affected medicines as substandard, stating that they failed to meet quality and safety standards.

In its statement, WHO called on National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to remain alert for any oral liquid medicines originating from the implicated manufacturing sites, particularly those produced since December 2024.

The organization also advised healthcare professionals to report any adverse reactions and to remain vigilant for symptoms consistent with DEG poisoning in pediatric patients.

WHO advised members of the public who may possess the contaminated syrups not to use them under any circumstances. Those who have used the products, or know someone who has, were encouraged to seek immediate medical care or contact local poison control centers.

Regulators, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement agencies were also asked to notify WHO if any of the listed products were detected in their respective countries.

The agency reiterated that all medicines should only be obtained from licensed and verified suppliers, particularly when treating children.

WHO concluded that while there was no current evidence of global spread, the incident highlighted the ongoing need for strengthened pharmaceutical regulation, especially in regions where informal drug markets are active.