A HOUSEHOLD must-have has been urgently pulled from shelves after officials discovered it could contain dangerous fungus.
The contaminated swabs can lead to serious and possibly deadly infections.
The recall has affected products sold across the US and Puerto Rico.
New Jersey-based Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has recalled three products under its Zicam and Orajel brands.
The voluntary recall includes Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs.
Each product is over-the-counter and uses a cotton swab component.
Both products are inserted into the nostrils, but nasal swabs are for clearing mucus while teething swabs are for soothing teething pain in babies and toddlers.
All lots within the same expiration dates are included in the recall.
The cotton swabs have been compromised with a microbial contamination identified as fungi.
The type of fungi was not specified, though it puts those using the products at risk of a serious blood infection.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc announced the recall via the Food and Drug Administration on June 6.
The fungi could be life-threatening, especially for children and immuno-compromised people, according to the company.
Users with nasal inflammation or minor injuries could be more vulnerable to an infection as well.
However, the company has confirmed that “no serious adverse events associated with the affected product have been reported.”
Still, officials warn the risk of illness is significant.
Consumers have been urged to stop using the products immediately.
Product Recall – What to know
Recalled Products:
- Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs (UPC: 732216301205)
- Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs (UPC: 732216301656) – discontinued December 2024
- Orajel Baby Teething Swabs (UPC: 310310400002)
- Other Zicam and Orajel products were not affected
Reason for recall:
- Potential fungal contamination in cotton swab components
- Risk of serious or life-threatening blood infections, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals
Sold in:
- Nationwide across the US and Puerto Rico
What to Do:
Those who have purchased the products can contact Church & Dwight’s customer relations for a full refund as well.
Church & Dwight said in its notice: “This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.”
MORE RECALLS
In April, the FDA announced that Multi-V Men vitamins made by MTN OPS had been contaminated.
According to the FDA, the pills contain “undeclared soy flour” a potential danger to people with soy allergies.
Officials had said that 7,546 bottles of the 60-capsule Multi-V Men products are involved.
It was classified as a Class II recall, which mean the product may cause temporary or medically reversible issues.
There’s also a remote chance of serious health consequences.
Church & Dwight Co., Inc did not respond immediately to request for comment.
