Recall Alert: Bacterial Contamination in Children's Cough Syrup Poses Serious Health Risks

Parents and caregivers should be vigilant after a recent recall of a popular children's cough syrup due to potential bacterial contamination. Medtech Products announced the recall of five lots of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup following detection of Bacillus cereus, a foodborne bacteria that can cause severe illness or even be fatal in extreme cases. The affected lots include lot numbers 0039 (expires 11/2025), 0545 (expires 1/2026), 0640 (expires 2/2026), 0450 (expires 5/2026), and 1198 (expires 12/2026).

Bacillus cereus is known to cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The first manifests as nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps within one to six hours of consuming contaminated food or drink. The second type results in stomach cramps and diarrhea beginning between eight to sixteen hours post-exposure. While most healthy individuals experience only short-term discomfort, high levels of exposure can be life-threatening, emphasizing the importance of checking your child's medicine cabinet.

Manufacturers have issued the recall after discovering that the bacteria's presence compromises the shelf stability of the syrup, posing serious health risks. Parents are advised to discard the affected products and consult healthcare professionals if their child exhibits symptoms of illness after using the syrup.

This recall underscores the necessity for stringent quality controls in pharmaceutical production, especially products intended for children. Staying informed about product recalls can help prevent potential health crises related to contaminated medications.

For further details, visit the FDA website and stay updated on safety alerts related to children's medications.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-bacteria-vomiting-diarrhea-kids-syrup.html