Costco recalls popular cold and flu medicine due to potential contamination, following a previous recall over ineffective ingredients.
At a Glance
- Costco recalls Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion medicine
- Recall due to potential foreign material contamination
- Affected products sold between October 30 and November 30, 2024
- Customers advised to return products for a full refund
- Previous recall in December due to ineffective oral phenylephrine
Costco Issues Recall on Popular Cold and Flu Medicine
Costco has initiated a recall of its Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion medicine due to the risk of contamination with foreign matter. The recall specifically targets item number #1729556 from lot code P140082, which was sold in select Midwest and southeast locations between October 30 and November 30, 2024.
LNK International Inc., the manufacturer of the product, initiated the recall out of caution for a specific lot code that was rejected. Consumers who purchased the affected product are strongly advised not to use it and to return it to Costco for a full refund.
Costco is recalling a popular cold and flu medication sold at the end of 2024. https://t.co/bQWjMRkJGd
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) January 4, 2025
Previous Recall and Concerns Over Ingredient Effectiveness
This recall follows a previous one in December, where 8,640 boxes of the same product were recalled by the FDA. The earlier recall was due to questions over the effectiveness of phenylephrine, an ingredient found in these medications, as a nasal decongestant when taken orally.
The December recall involved lot numbers P139953 or P139815 with an expiration date of August 2026. Studies have shown that oral phenylephrine is ineffective except at doses that could potentially cause heart-related side effects, raising concerns about its use in over-the-counter cold and flu medications.
“This chemical is shown to be ineffective against cold and flu in its oral form, except at a dose that has some heart toxicity and can lead to palpitations, arrhythmia and high blood pressure,” Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel said.
Consumer Action and Safety Measures
Costco and LNK International Inc. are taking proactive steps to ensure consumer safety. In a statement, LNK said, “Out of an abundance of caution, LNK has initiated a recall for the accidental release and shipment of a specific lot code that was rejected due to potential foreign material contamination.”
