Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has announced a voluntary recall of several swab-based products due to potential microbial contamination. The recall includes all lots within expiry of Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs. These products, which were distributed across the United States and in Puerto Rico, may contain cotton swab components contaminated with fungi.
According to the company, the contamination poses a health risk, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems or pre-existing health conditions. The primary concern involves users with nasal inflammation or injuries, where exposure to contaminated swabs could potentially lead to serious or even life-threatening bloodstream infections. Children are also considered at heightened risk. No serious adverse health effects have been reported to date.
The affected products include:
- Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs (UPC 732216301205), a zinc-free homeopathic swab intended to shorten cold symptoms.
- Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs (UPC 732216301656), a discontinued nasal cleansing product.
- Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs (UPC 310310400002), pre-moistened swabs for soothing infant and toddler teething discomfort.
Church & Dwight urges consumers to stop using the affected products immediately. Customers seeking a refund can visit www.churchdwightrecall.com or call the company’s Consumer Relations team at (800) 981-4710, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.
Consumers who experience any adverse effects from the products are encouraged to report them to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Reports can be submitted online or by obtaining a form via mail at 1-800-332-1088 and faxing it to 1-800-FDA-0178.
The recall was issued in coordination with the FDA and applies only to the swab products mentioned. Other Zicam and Orajel products, including Zicam RapidMelts, are not affected and remain available for use.
