Contaminated cough syrups
On 13 Oct 2025 the WHO issued a medical product alert after three Indian oral cough syrups have been discovered to include diethylene glycol far above secure limits and have been linked to little one deaths in Madhya Pradesh. The alert named particular merchandise and producers and urged nations to report any detection; regulators in India mentioned the contaminated batches weren’t exported. WHO’s speedy discover emphasizes the recurring international threat posed by substandard or contaminated prescribed drugs — particularly oral liquids for youngsters — and requires improved manufacturing unit oversight, supply-chain traceability, and testing.
The incident has renewed consideration on medicine-quality surveillance within the South-East Asia area and the necessity for speedy cross-border alerts to forestall additional hurt. Clinicians and fogeys have been suggested to verify product names towards WHO’s alert and to hunt speedy care if youngsters present indicators of poisoning. Reuters+2World Well being Group+2
WHO Points World Alert on Contaminated Cough Syrups After Baby Deaths in India
The World Well being Group (WHO) has issued a worldwide alert following studies of contaminated cough syrups linked to the deaths of a number of youngsters in India. The warning comes after laboratory assessments confirmed the presence of diethylene glycol (DEG) and ethylene glycol (EG) — poisonous industrial solvents that may trigger extreme kidney harm, mind harm, and dying if ingested.
In keeping with WHO, the contaminated syrups have been produced by an Indian pharmaceutical producer and exported to a number of nations. Nationwide well being authorities in affected areas have been urged to take away the merchandise from circulation instantly and enhance vigilance over all pediatric liquid medicines. The company emphasised that this isn’t an remoted incident — comparable tragedies have occurred previously in Gambia, Uzbekistan, and Cameroon, all traced to contaminated syrups of Indian origin.
WHO Director-Normal Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern, urging governments and producers to strengthen high quality management and provide chain monitoring. He highlighted the pressing want for stricter enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and routine product testing to forestall future outbreaks of poisoning.
The Indian authorities has launched an investigation into the implicated producer and is reviewing its export monitoring system. Well being specialists have referred to as for a worldwide registry of substandard and falsified medicines, together with improved cooperation between regulatory authorities.
Mother and father and healthcare suppliers are suggested to keep away from unverified manufacturers, verify batch numbers, and instantly report any hostile reactions. The WHO reiterated its name for pharmaceutical transparency, stating that “no little one ought to die due to a drugs that’s meant to heal.”
Reference:
- World Well being Group (WHO). “Medical Product Alert: Contaminated Cough Syrups.” October 2025.
- Reuters Well being Information, October 13, 2025.
Contaminated cough syrups
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