Zicam and Orajel swabs recalled over contamination concerns

Church & Dwight Zicam recall overview:

• Who: Church & Dwight Co. Inc. is recalling all lots of Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs.
• Why: The recall is due to potential microbial contamination, specifically fungi, in the cotton swab components.
• Where: The recall is effective nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Church & Dwight Co. is voluntarily recalling several swab products, including Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs, due to the risk of microbial contamination. 

The contamination involves fungi in the cotton swab components, posing a significant health risk, especially to children and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The recall, announced on June 6, affects all lots of the specified products within their expiry dates. 

The Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, identified by UPC 732216301205, are marketed as a zinc-free homeopathic remedy to shorten the duration of colds. The Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, with UPC 732216301656, were designed for nasal cleansing but were discontinued in December 2024. Orajel Baby Teething Swabs, carrying UPC 310310400002, are pre-moistened to alleviate teething discomfort in infants and toddlers. 

According to the recall notice, “Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers, including serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries.”

Consumers urged to stop using recalled swabs immediately

The recall notice advises consumers to cease using the affected products immediately and visit www.churchdwightrecall.com for a full refund.

The company has provided a dedicated Consumer Relations team, available at (800) 981-4710, to handle inquiries and process refunds. Additionally, any adverse reactions or quality issues can be reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

Church & Dwight Co. is taking proactive measures to address the contamination issue by recalling the affected swabs from the market. 

The company assures consumers that all other Zicam and Orajel products, including Zicam RapidMelts, remain unaffected by the recall. 

Church & Dwight Co. reports that no illnesses or injuries have been linked to the recalled products so far. The company is not currently facing legal action over the recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.

Earlier this year, Church & Dwight Co. agreed to a $6 million class action settlement after allegations that its Zicam cold remedies were falsely advertised as able to shorten the duration of colds.

Are you affected by this Church & Dwight Zicam recall? Let us know in the comments.

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