Bengaluru: Following child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to the use of cough syrups, World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the potential risk of contaminated products being exported to other countries, especially through unregulated channels.

In response to WHO's letter on Oct 1, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation confirmed that diethylene glycol (DEG) was detected in at least three oral syrup medicines. The agency clarified that "none of the products were exported from India".

DEG and ethylene glycol (EG) are toxic substances used as industrial solvents and antifreeze agents. They can be fatal even in small amounts, especially for children. The contaminated products were identified as Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife.

What remains a deep concern f

See Full Page