Two major supermarkets, Asda and Tesco, have urgently recalled specific cough syrups over contamination concerns, prompting customers to check their medicine cabinets. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued a Class 2 medicines recall notice for four products that may be contaminated. The affected cough syrups are Tesco Health Dry Cough Relief 200ml, Asda Strong Dry Tickly Cough 200ml, Almus Dry Cough Relief, and Bells Dual Action Dry Cough. These products were distributed between September 2022 and November of the same year, potentially impacting consumers who purchased them during that period.
All the recalled cough syrups contain dextromethorphan hydrobromide, a substance used to temporarily relieve coughs resulting from colds, flu, or other conditions. Although these syrups do not treat the underlying health issue, they are commonly used to assist individuals with chronic coughs in getting better sleep. The recall notice reveals that Bells Healthcare initiated the recall of the listed batches of products containing dextromethorphan hydrobromide BP as a precautionary measure due to foreign material detected in some bottles. The contamination came to light following a single customer complaint, and investigations are ongoing to address this issue promptly.
Consumers are advised that while no action is required at their end, they should remain vigilant for any visible contamination and consult a healthcare professional if they have any concerns regarding the product. Individuals who have these cough syrups at home are not obligated to return them to the manufacturer. However, they are urged to seek medical advice if they experience any adverse effects after consumption. The recall emphasizes that patients who encounter adverse reactions or have questions about the medication should seek medical attention and report any suspected adverse reactions through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Furthermore, Asda and Tesco have been instructed to remove the affected products from their shelves immediately. Retailers are directed to quarantine any remaining stock and follow the approved process for returning it to the supplier. The products subject to the recall, along with their respective batch numbers and expiry dates, are listed for clear identification. The MHRA’s swift action in issuing the recall notice demonstrates the importance of ensuring consumer safety and the integrity of healthcare products available in the market.
In conclusion, this recall serves as a reminder of the vigilance required in monitoring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. Asda and Tesco customers are encouraged to check their cough syrup purchases against the specified batch numbers and expiry dates to verify if they possess any of the affected products. By promptly heeding recall notices and taking necessary precautions, individuals can play a crucial role in safeguarding their health and well-being. It is essential to raise awareness about product recalls to protect consumers and uphold the highest standards of public health and safety.