Cold Out Indian Cough Syrup is Poisonous – WHO

In a concerning development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning regarding a potentially dangerous cough syrup named “Cold Out,” originating from India. The syrup, manufactured by Fourrts (India) Laboratories for Dabilife Pharma, has raised alarm due to the presence of harmful contaminants beyond safe limits.

The WHO’s caution revolves around the elevated levels of diethylene and ethylene glycol found in the product. Typically, medical products should not contain more than 0.10% of these substances. However, the batch in question contained 0.25% diethylene glycol and 2.1% ethylene glycol.

The WHO has attempted to ascertain the safety of the product by seeking assurances from the manufacturer and seller, but so far, there has been no response.

This incident is not an isolated case. Multiple instances of contaminated cough syrups have garnered international attention, with a notable proportion originating from Indian manufacturers. Tragically, some of these tainted syrups have been linked to the deaths of children. In recent history, 89 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan lost their lives due to poisonous cough syrups from India.

A specific case involved Riemann Labs’ syrup, which caused fatalities among children in Cameroon. Consequently, Indian authorities took action by revoking the license of Marion Biotech, the company responsible for supplying syrups to Uzbekistan, and arresting certain employees.

Maiden Pharmaceuticals, another entity implicated in the Gambia incident, has denied allegations that their products were responsible for the deaths. They are supported by Indian laboratory tests, which have backed their claims.

This alarming trend of poisonous cough syrups emphasizes the critical need for stringent quality control measures in the pharmaceutical industry to ensure the safety and well-being of consumers worldwide.