WHO Warns of Contaminated Liquid Medicines in India: Urgent Recall Issued
New Delhi, October 15, 2025 – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a serious warning regarding three contaminated liquid medicines manufactured by Marion Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Uttar Pradesh, India. These products—Ambronol Syrup, DOK-1 Max Syrup, and Cold Out Syrup—have been found to contain toxic levels of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol, which pose serious health risks, especially to children.
A global health concern
WHO Medical Product Alert N°1/2023, issued on January 11, 2023, identifies these syrups as substandard and contaminated. Laboratory analyses revealed that the syrup contained unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and/or ethylene glycol, substances known to be toxic and potentially fatal if swallowed. The acceptable safety limit for both ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol is no more than 0.10%, but the contaminated syrup exceeds this limit, posing significant health risks to consumers.
These products were initially identified in Uzbekistan and reported to the WHO on December 22, 2022. Subsequently, they were detected in Cambodia and reported to the WHO on April 3, 2023. The affected syrups have been distributed in various countries, raising concerns about their availability and consumption around the world.
A call to action
In response to this worrying situation, WHO has urged countries to take immediate action to prevent, detect and respond to incidents involving substandard and counterfeit medical products. The organization emphasizes the importance of regulatory vigilance and consumer awareness to protect public health.
WHO’s call to action includes recommendations for national health authorities:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the distribution and sale of affected products in your jurisdiction.
- Implement recall procedures to immediately remove contaminated syrup from the market.
- Increase regulatory oversight to prevent the manufacture and distribution of substandard and counterfeit drugs.
- Raise public awareness about the dangers of consuming contaminated medicines and the importance of purchasing medicines from reputable sources.
Health Risks and Symptoms
Diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol are industrial chemicals not meant for human consumption. Consuming even small amounts can cause serious health complications, including:
- Acute kidney failure
- Central nervous system depression
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of these substances due to their lower body weight and developing organs. Symptoms of poisoning may not appear immediately, making early detection and treatment crucial.
Recommendations for Consumers
The WHO advises consumers to:
- Avoid using AMBRONOL Syrup, DOK-1 Max Syrup, and COLD OUT Syrup.
- Check the packaging for any signs of tampering or irregularities.
- Consult healthcare professionals if they have used any of these products and are experiencing symptoms.
- Report any adverse events or suspected cases of poisoning to health authorities immediately.
Marion Biotech’s Response
As of the WHO’s latest update, Marion Biotech Pvt. Ltd. has not provided guarantees to the organization regarding the safety and quality of the affected products. The company has not issued a public statement addressing the recall or the contamination issues.
A Wake-Up Call for Regulatory Authorities
This incident underscores the critical need for stringent regulatory measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines. The WHO’s alert serves as a reminder to national health authorities to strengthen their monitoring systems and enforce regulations to prevent the circulation of substandard and falsified medical products.
Conclusion
The recall of AMBRONOL Syrup, DOK-1 Max Syrup, and COLD OUT Syrup serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by contaminated medicines. It highlights the importance of vigilance, regulatory oversight, and consumer awareness in safeguarding public health. The WHO’s call to action is a crucial step in addressing this issue and preventing future occurrences.
