Unregulated export of 'toxic syrups' a risk, warns WHO

BENGALURU: Following children's deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to consumption of cough syrups, World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of potential risk of contaminated products being exported to other countries, especially through unregulated channels.

In response to WHO's October 1 letter, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) confirmed that the killer chemical, diethylene glycol (DEG), was detected in at least three oral syrup medicines, but "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.

A WHO spokesperson told TOI while there is currently no evidence the products were exported through such channels, the risk "cannot be ruled out". "National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) are therefore encouraged to conduct targeted market surveillance, particularly in informal and unregulated markets," the spokesperson said.

Asked about precedents, the spokesperson mentioned none, adding: "There is currently no reliable mechanism to verify whether products have been exported through illicit or unregulated channels - precisely because such exports typically leave no formal trace. This is what makes the risk particularly concerning."

Meanwhile, Karnataka health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the state began its random checks in Sept and "almost 300-400 samples" were drawn across state. "None of them showed NSQ," he said.

Rao said syrups even suspected to be contaminated have been banned in the state. Last week, the state's food safety and drug administration issued a circular to all stakeholders not to prescribe, sell, or purchase ReLife and Respifresh TR. Similar instructions were issued for Coldrif on October 4.