Nationwide Recall of Children’s Cough Syrup: Risks, Response, and What Parents Need to Know
Early medicine checks can keep little ones safe from unseen bacterial threats.
On June 17, 2025, Medtech Products Inc. issued a nationwide voluntary recall of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup, after the discovery of Bacillus cereus microbial contamination and a loss of shelf stability. Sold widely in grocery chains, pharmacies, and online outlets throughout the United States, these products are a staple in many family medicine cabinets. In light of the recall, parents and caregivers are urged to act quickly to protect children’s health.
Why Was the Cough Syrup Recalled?
According to both FDA officials and Medtech Products Inc., routine quality testing uncovered specific lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup contaminated with Bacillus cereus.
- Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria known to cause food-borne illness.
- Two main types of illness may result: one with nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps within 1–6 hours after exposure; another causes diarrhea 8–16 hours after use.
- A “loss of shelf stability” means the product could deteriorate before its printed expiration date, compounding the risk.
No serious adverse events or illnesses were reported by the recall date, and regulators state that only specific lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup are affected. No other Little Remedies products are included in this recall.
Which Products Are Included?
The recall impacts five lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup distributed nationwide through in-store and online retailers from December 2022 through June 2025.
| Item UPC | Lot Number | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| 7-56184-10737-9 | 0039 | Nov. 2025 |
| 7-56184-10737-9 | 0545 | Jan. 2026 |
| 7-56184-10737-9 | 0640 | Feb. 2026 |
| 7-56184-10737-9 | 0450 | May 2026 |
| 7-56184-10737-9 | 1198 | Dec. 2026 |
All recalled products are packaged as 4 fluid ounce (118 mL) amber bottles, labeled with the specified lot number and expiration date either on the bottle or on the carton.
Understanding Bacillus cereus: Health Risks and Symptoms
Bacillus cereus is a spore-forming bacterium commonly found in soil, food, and dust. Though generally benign, certain strains can cause serious food poisoning, especially when present in products for children.
- Type 1 Illness: Nausea & Vomiting
Onset: 1–6 hours after ingestion
Symptoms: Sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps - Type 2 Illness: Diarrhea
Onset: 8–16 hours after exposure
Symptoms: Watery or profuse diarrhea, cramping - While healthy adults often recover quickly, infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals can suffer more serious consequences.
- High levels of foodborne B. cereus can, in rare instances, be life-threatening.
What others are reading
Actions for Parents and Caregivers
If you’ve purchased or possess Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup, follow these steps:
- Immediately check your medicine cabinet for affected lots.
- Stop use of any recalled product.
- Contact your physician if your child or anyone else has consumed the syrup and displays symptoms of foodborne illness.
- Do not dispose of the product until you’ve contacted the company for reimbursement instructions.
If you suspect your child has developed symptoms of food poisoning after using the recalled syrup, monitor for key signs:
- Rapid onset of vomiting, nausea, cramping
- Diarrhea that develops hours later
- If symptoms are severe or persistent, seek immediate medical attention.
How to Obtain a Refund
Medtech Products Inc. is offering a full refund to consumers who have purchased the affected lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup.
- Consumer Assistance Email: medicalaffairs@prestigebrands.com
- Online Request: Customers may request refunds via the Prestige Brands website by submitting their lot number and contact details.
(Link can be found via the company’s official website or recall announcement) - Phone Support: Call (800) 754-8853, Monday – Friday 8:30–5:30 Eastern Time
When contacting the company, have your lot number, UPC, purchase information, and the product packaging ready, as these may be required for processing your reimbursement.
What Stores Are Impacted by the Recall?
The recall affects products distributed nationwide through large grocery chains, pharmacies, and online platforms:
- Stop & Shop
- Giant
- Martin’s
- Major online retailers (e.g., Amazon, Walmart.com)
If you purchased Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup from any major retailer or e-commerce site between December 2022 and June 2025, check your packaging carefully against the above table.
FDA Reporting for Adverse Events
If you or someone in your household experienced adverse reactions or quality issues with these recalled products, you can report incidents directly to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
- Online: Submit reports via www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
- By Mail/Fax: Obtain form at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088
- Fax submissions: Send to 1-800-FDA-0178
The information you provide helps regulators monitor the safety and effectiveness of consumer health products nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is any other Little Remedies product affected by the recall?
No. The recall applies only to specific lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup in 4 oz bottles. All other products by Little Remedies remain safe for use.
Q: What should I do if my child consumed the recalled syrup?
Immediately stop further use. Monitor for symptoms of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. Contact your pediatrician if any illness develops. In cases of severe symptoms, seek emergency care.
Q: Can adults be harmed by Bacillus cereus in the syrup?
While healthy adults typically experience only mild, short-term gastrointestinal upset, vulnerable populations like children and the elderly face more serious risks. Always follow recall advice and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms appear.
Q: How can I get a refund for my returned product?
Contact Medtech Products using the phone number, email, or website listed above. Provide your product’s UPC, lot number, and purchase details for reimbursement. Do not throw away the packaging until instructions are provided.
Q: What are the FDA’s next steps following such a recall?
The FDA reviews recall procedures, monitors for adverse event reports, and conducts trace investigations to prevent future contamination incidents. Regulators ensure proper public notification and require companies to verify the removal of contaminated products from commerce.
How Product Recalls Work: A Closer Look
Product recalls may be voluntary or FDA-mandated. In this instance, Medtech Products initiated a voluntary recall in cooperation with the FDA after lab tests revealed contamination. Consumers are notified through official channels, media coverage, and retail partners.
- Companies must identify affected products by lot number, UPC, and expiration date.
- Retailers remove products from shelves, and digital sellers block further shipments.
- Consumers are advised to stop use and submit reimbursement requests as directed.
Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe During a Medicine Recall
- Sign up for FDA or retailer recall alerts to stay informed about future risks.
- Store medicines in original packaging to easily check lot numbers and expiry dates.
- Discuss medicine use and potential symptoms with your pediatrician during regular visits.
- Dispose of any expired or unneeded medicines according to safe local guidelines—and only after contacting the manufacturer regarding refunds.
What Are the Symptoms of Bacillus cereus Poisoning?
| Onset Time | Symptoms | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1-6 hours after exposure | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps | Hydrate, monitor, consult pediatrician if persistent |
| 8-16 hours after exposure | Diarrhea (watery or profuse), abdominal cramping | Hydrate, monitor, consult pediatrician |
| Severe/prolonged symptoms | Dehydration, inability to keep fluids down | Seek urgent medical care |
Community Response and Regulatory Oversight
As news of the recall spread, pediatricians, consumer advocates, and health agencies emphasized the importance of quality assurance in children’s medicine. The FDA’s role in monitoring ongoing consumer safety, ensuring transparency, and facilitating swift withdrawals is vital for public health.
- Pediatric clinics have issued alerts and educational material about foodborne illness symptoms in children.
- Retailers have proactively removed the affected lots from store shelves and digital inventories.
- Consumer advocacy groups have helped distribute information about recall procedures and reimbursement details.
If Your Family Has Been Impacted
Parents whose children have experienced illness after use of the recalled syrup are encouraged to:
- Report the incident to the FDA MedWatch program
- Save medical documentation and product packaging for claim processing
- Stay updated about ongoing developments via FDA, healthcare providers, and trusted media
Final Guidance: How to Protect Your Family
- Carefully check all children’s medicines before use—especially lots purchased between December 2022 and June 2025
- Follow the manufacturer’s and FDA’s instructions for reporting, refunds, and medical evaluation
- Remain alert to recall announcements and keep records of medicine purchase details
Additional Resources
- FDA Recall Announcements: Search latest recalls at www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
- Prestige Consumer Healthcare: Company contact for recall support and reimbursements
- Consumer Health Advocacy Groups: Tips for responding to medication recalls
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How do I identify Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup affected by the recall?
Check your bottle or carton for the UPC 7-56184-10737-9 and the lot numbers listed in the affected lots table above. Only 4 oz amber bottles are affected.
Q: Can I continue giving other Little Remedies products to my children?
Yes. According to Medtech and FDA, the recall is limited to specific lots of Honey Cough Syrup. Other Little Remedies medicines have tested safe.
Q: Where can I report a suspected adverse event?
File a report with the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program online or via mail/fax using instructions above.
Q: Is ingestion of Bacillus cereus always harmful?
Most people recover with mild symptoms, but for young children and immunocompromised individuals, effects may be more serious. Prompt medical attention is recommended if symptoms occur.
Summary Table: Key Details of the Children’s Cough Syrup Recall
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Recall Date | June 17, 2025 |
| Product Affected | Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup (4 oz amber bottles) |
| Contaminant | Bacillus cereus and loss of shelf stability |
| Distribution | Nationwide, December 2022 – June 2025 |
| Symptoms | Nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea |
| Refund Contact | medicalaffairs@prestigebrands.com (800-754-8853) |
| FDA Reporting | MedWatch (www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm) |
Conclusion
The recall of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup represents a significant precautionary measure in protecting children’s health nationwide. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals should stay alert to official recall updates, check medication labels, and report any adverse events promptly. Refunds are available for affected syrups, and effective steps can be taken to minimize health risks.
References
- https://www.wcpo.com/life/recalls/kids-cough-syrup-sold-nationwide-recalled-over-possible-microbial-contamination
- https://www.wbiw.com/2025/06/23/popular-childrens-cough-syrup-recalled-due-to-contamination-risk/
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/medtech-products-inc-issues-nationwide-recall-little-remediesr-honey-cough-syrup-due-microbial
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