In a recent move to safeguard public health, two leading UK supermarkets, Tesco and Asda, have recalled certain cough syrup products following contamination fears. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a Class 2 recall notice for several batches of these medications.
This precautionary step follows the discovery of foreign material in some bottles, potentially putting customers at risk. The recall affects products that may have been purchased last year, leaving many consumers unaware of the potential hazard in their homes.
Contaminated Products and Affected Brands
The four specific products affected by the recall include Tesco Health Dry Cough Relief, Asda Strong Dry Tickly Cough, Almus Dry Cough Relief, and Bells Dual Action Dry Cough.
These syrups, commonly used to relieve coughs associated with colds and flu, all contain dextromethorphan hydrobromide, a standard ingredient known for alleviating cough symptoms.
The contamination was identified following a single customer complaint, prompting further investigations. It is important to note that the recall involves only certain batches, which were distributed between September and November 2022.
Affected Cough Syrup Products
- Tesco Health Dry Cough Relief 200ml
- Batch numbers: 235B1 (Exp: 01/09/2025), 240C3 (Exp: 01/03/2026), 242C1 (Exp: 01/07/2026), 245C3 (Exp: 01/09/2026)
- Asda Strong Dry Tickly Cough 200ml
- Batch numbers: 236B1 (Exp: 01/12/2025), 240C2 (Exp: 01/03/2026), 243C1 (Exp: 01/08/2026), 245C2 (Exp: 01/09/2026), 246C1 (Exp: 01/11/2027), 247D1 (Exp: 01/02/2027), 248D1 (Exp: 01/04/2027), 250D1 (Exp: 01/07/2027)
- Almus Dry Cough Relief
- Batch number: 249D1 (Exp: 01/06/2027)
- Bells Dual Action Dry Cough
- Batch numbers: 237C1 (Exp: 01/01/2026), 238C1 (Exp: 01/01/2026), 239C1 (Exp: 01/01/2026), 242C2 (Exp: 01/07/2026), 243C2 (Exp: 01/08/2026)
What Tesco and Asda Customers Need to Know
Customers who have purchased these products are being urged to inspect their medicine cabinets for the affected batches.
While no immediate action is required, individuals are advised to remain vigilant for any visible signs of contamination. This could include any foreign material or unusual substances within the syrup.
What to Do if You Have an Affected Product :
- No need to return the product: You are not required to return the item to the store or manufacturer, but you should contact a healthcare professional if you experience any health issues after using the product.
- Seek medical advice: If you notice any adverse effects or symptoms after consumption, seek prompt medical advice.
- Report any reactions: The MHRA encourages individuals to report any potential side effects through the Yellow Card scheme to help monitor the safety of medicines.
For those who bought affected products from Tesco or Asda, it’s crucial to check the batch numbers and seek professional guidance if there are any concerns.
Retailer Actions and Immediate Steps
In response to the recall, both Tesco and Asda have been instructed to stop selling the affected batches immediately. Retailers have been told to quarantine any remaining stock of the recalled products and return it to their suppliers.
This step aims to prevent further distribution of potentially contaminated products, ensuring that consumers are not exposed to any unnecessary health risks.
Retailers’ Responsibility :
- Remove stock: All affected batches are to be removed from shelves and quarantined.
- Return stock to suppliers: Retailers must follow the prescribed process for returning affected items to suppliers to prevent them from re-entering the market.
No Immediate Danger, But Caution is Key
The recall notice from Bells Healthcare, the company behind the affected products, stresses that no immediate risk has been posed to consumers thus far. The foreign material contamination was first identified after a customer complaint, but investigations are ongoing.
The products involved, including those sold by Tesco and Asda, do not treat underlying health issues but are intended to provide temporary relief from coughing, often helping people get better rest during bouts of illness.
Despite the precautionary nature of the recall, it’s essential that consumers stay aware of the issue and follow any relevant guidance from health professionals.
Consumers are advised to check their shelves for the affected cough syrups from Tesco and Asda and contact healthcare professionals if any concerns arise.
