Toxic syrup Cold Out is not registered in Uzbekistan – Ministry of Health

The Indian cold and cough syrup Cold Out, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as dangerous due to toxins, is not registered in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Health reports. 

“The Center for Drug Safety reports that the Cold Out drug produced by the Indian company Fourrts Laboratories is not registered in Uzbekistan,” the report reads. 

According to the legislation, the use of medicines, medical devices and equipment in medical practice is allowed only after state registration. 

Earlier, WHO issued a warning about the dangers of Indian-made Cold Out cough and cold syrup. A batch of syrup found in an Iraqi market contained 0.25% diethylene glycol and 2.1% ethylene glycol. According to the WHO, the margin of safety for both components is up to 0.1%. 

Indian Ministry of Health has announced that the drug is being withdrawn from sale after it failed separate tests conducted in Iraq. 

In 2022, cough syrups made by the Indian company Maiden Pharmaceuticals and Marion Biotech were linked to the deaths of at least 89 children in the Gambia and Uzbekistan. Indian authorities have also found toxins in cough syrup manufactured by Riemann Labs that have been linked to the deaths of children in Cameroon. 

In March, Marion Biotech, which exported syrups to Uzbekistan, lost its license and some of its employees were arrested. 

This year, the Indian government announced the introduction of mandatory testing of cough syrups before export to prevent such cases.