Children's cough syrup recalled nationwide over bacterial risk that ‘can cause death'

Medtech Products issued a nationwide recall of its Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup after discovering a bacterium that can cause serious foodborne illness, according to a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory.
The voluntary recall affects five lots of the syrup, sold in 4-fluid-ounce amber bottles and distributed in stores — including Walgreens, Target, CVS, and Safeway — and online between December 14, 2022, and June 4, 2025.
The affected product bears the UPC 7-56184-10737-9 and includes lot numbers 0039 (exp. 11/2025), 0545 (01/2026), 0640 (02/2026), 0450 (05/2026), and 1198 (12/2026). The recall extends to all lots still within their expiration dates.
The bacteria found in the cough syrup, Bacillus cereus, can cause two distinct types of gastrointestinal illness. One type leads to nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps within hours of ingestion. The other manifests later, often with diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
'Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death,' the FDA warned.

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Little Remedies honey cough syrup recalled nationwide: What parents need to know

As parents, we do everything we can to keep our children safe—especially when they're sick. That's why a new nationwide recall of a popular over-the-counter children's cough medicine is raising serious concern. Medtech Products Inc. has voluntarily recalled several lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the presence of Bacillus cereus, a harmful bacteria that can cause foodborne illness—and in severe cases, even death. The recalled syrup, a go-to for many parents looking for natural relief for their child's cough, was sold online and in stores across the U.S. between December 2022 and June 2025. While no serious injuries have been reported as of now, the company is urging families to stop using the affected products immediately. Here's what you need to know to keep your little ones safe. The recall affects Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup, sold in 4 FL OZ (118 mL) amber bottles, commonly found in pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. The syrup is marketed as a gentle, natural remedy made with honey to soothe coughs in children — but the recent discovery of Bacillus cereus contamination has made certain lots unsafe for use. According to the official FDA notice, the bacteria was detected in certain lots, prompting a recall due to concerns about shelf stability and potential health risks. While no other Little Remedies® products are affected, all lots of this particular syrup still within the expiration date have been included in the recall out of an abundance of caution. Here are the affected lot numbers and expiration dates: Lot 0039 – Expires 11/2025 Lot 0545 – Expires 01/2026 Lot 0640 – Expires 02/2026 Lot 0450 – Expires 05/2026 Lot 1198 – Expires 12/2026 Each recalled bottle has a UPC of 7-56184-10737-9 and should have the lot number printed on both the label and the bottom of the box. If you have one of these in your medicine cabinet, read on for what steps to take next. Bacillus cereus is a type of bacteria that can cause foodborne illness when ingested — especially when it grows in products that are no longer shelf-stable. While it may sound unfamiliar to many parents, the symptoms it causes are unfortunately very recognizable. There are two common types of illness linked to B. cereus: The first appears 1 to 6 hours after exposure and typically causes nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. The second appears 8 to 16 hours after exposure, with symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal pain. In some cases, the diarrhea may be severe and watery. In most healthy children, these symptoms may pass on their own. However, exposure to high levels of can lead to more serious illness — and in rare cases, it can be fatal. If your child has consumed the recalled syrup and shows any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your pediatrician or seek medical attention right away. When in doubt, trust your instincts — you know your child best. Related: Here's how I'm preparing for my kids' sick days this year If you have a bottle of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup at home, the first step is to stop using it immediately — even if your child has taken it without any symptoms. Check both the UPC (7-56184-10737-9) and the lot number, which can be found on the bottle label and the bottom of the box. Here's what to do next: If your child has taken the syrup and is experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain, call your pediatrician right away. If your child seems fine, monitor them closely for symptoms for up to 24 hours. To request a refund or report an issue, you can contact Medtech directly: Call: (800) 754-8853 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET) Email: medicalaffairs@ Website: If you or your healthcare provider believe your child experienced a reaction to the product, you can also report it through the FDA's MedWatch program at It's always okay to ask questions, trust your instincts, and reach out for guidance when your child's health is involved. Related: Target recalls baby food over lead concerns—here's what parents should do Recalls like this can feel unsettling, especially when they involve products we trust. But by staying informed and taking quick action, you're doing exactly what your child needs. No serious injuries have been reported, and the recall is precautionary — but it's always better to be safe. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. When it comes to your child's health, caution is care.

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This Kids' Cough Syrup Was Recalled. These Are the Symptoms It Can Cause

The US Food and Drug Administration reported Wednesday that five lots of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, a 100% natural children's cough medicine for ages 1 and up, were voluntarily recalled by Medtech Products. The kids' cough syrup was found to be contaminated by Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The five affected lots were distributed in the US both online and in retail stores from Dec. 14, 2022, to June 4, 2025. The lot numbers are 0039, 0545, 0640, 0450 and 1198, while the affected expiration dates extend to December 2026. The FDA reports that "no serious adverse events have been reported to date." This cough syrup contains three ingredients: honey, purified water and a natural preservative. Amazon What to do if you bought Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup If you purchased a Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup that has been recalled, stop using it immediately. If your child has experienced any issues that may be related to this product, contact their doctor. For reimbursement, you can email Medtech at medicalaffairs@ contact the company via its website or call 800-754-8853, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET. Any reactions or quality issues can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. What foodborne illness symptoms can it cause? The FDA reports that Bacillus cereus, or B. cereus, is a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The first type can start 1 to 6 hours after consumption of the contaminated food or drink. Symptoms include stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea. The second type of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus can occur 8 to 16 hours after consumption. Its symptoms are diarrhea and stomach cramps. "Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death," the FDA said. If your child is demonstrating any of these symptoms related to the consumption of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, contact their doctor immediately.

CNET

7 hours ago

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This Kid's Cough Syrup Was Recalled. These Are the Foodborne Illness Symptoms It Can Cause

On Wednesday, the FDA reported that five lots of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, a 100% natural children's cough medicine for ages 1 and up, were voluntarily recalled by Medtech Products. The kid's cough syrup was found to be contaminated by Bacillus cereus, a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The five affected lots were distributed in the US both online and in retail stores from Dec. 14, 2022, to June 4, 2025. The lot numbers are 0039, 0545, 0640, 0450 and 1198, while the affected expiration dates extend to December 2026. The FDA reports that "no serious adverse events have been reported to date." This cough syrup contains three ingredients: honey, purified water and a natural preservative. Amazon What to do if you bought Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup If you purchased a Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup that has been recalled, stop using it immediately. If your child has experienced any issues that may be related to this product, contact their doctor. For reimbursement, you can email Medtech at medicalaffairs@ contact via its website at or by phone at (800) 754-8853, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Any reactions or quality issues can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. What foodborne illness symptoms can it cause? The FDA reports that Bacillus cereus or B. cereus is a bacterium that can cause two types of foodborne illnesses. The first type can start 1 to 6 hours after consumption of the contaminated food or drink. Symptoms include: stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea. The second type of foodborne illness caused by Bacillus cereus can occur 8 to 16 hours after consumption. Its symptoms are diarrhea and stomach cramps. "Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death," the FDA said. If your child is demonstrating any of these symptoms related to the consumption of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, contact their doctor immediately.