The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global alert regarding three cough syrups manufactured in India—Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife—after they were linked to the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh. The syrups were found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical associated with mass poisoning incidents.

The Coldrif syrup, produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals in Tamil Nadu, was found to contain DEG concentrations exceeding 48%, far above the permissible limit of 0.1%. This contamination is believed to have contributed to the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. In response, Indian authorities revoked Sresan Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing license and arrested its owner, G. Ranganathan.