Cough Syrup Recall: What Parents Need to Know

A well-known children's cough syrup has been pulled from the market. The US Food and Drug Administration made this announcement. Medtech Products, the maker of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, has taken five batches off the shelves. This syrup is meant for kids aged 1 and up. The problem? It contains Bacillus cereus, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Plus, the syrup has lost its ability to stay fresh on the shelf. The affected batches were sold both online and in stores across the US. They hit the market on December 14, 2022, and were supposed to be available until June 4, 2025. The lot numbers to look out for are 0039, 0545, 0640, 0450, and 1198. These batches were set to expire in December 2026. The FDA has not received any reports of serious health issues so far. The syrup is made of honey, purified water, and a natural preservative. If you have this syrup at home, stop using it right away. If your child has had any issues that might be linked to this product, talk to their doctor. Bacillus cereus can cause two types of food poisoning. The first type hits fast, within 1 to 6 hours after eating or drinking something contaminated. Symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting, and nausea. The second type takes longer to show up, between 8 to 16 hours. It causes diarrhea and stomach cramps. While healthy people might only get a short-term illness, high levels of this bacteria can be deadly. If your child shows any of these symptoms after using Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, get in touch with their doctor right away. It's crucial to stay informed and take action if needed. Parents should be vigilant and report any reactions or quality issues to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.