Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of three nasal swab products due to potential microbial contamination identified as fungi in cotton swab components. The recall affects all lots within expiry of Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs distributed across the United States and Puerto Rico.
Health Risks and Safety Concerns
The contaminated swabs present significant health risks to consumers, particularly the potential for serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries. The company has identified the highest risk among children and individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions, where the consequences could be potentially severe or life-threatening.
Despite these serious safety concerns, no adverse events associated with the affected products have been reported to date.
Recalled Products
The recall encompasses three specific products:
Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs (UPC 732216301205, all lots) - A zinc-free, homeopathic cold remedy swab designed to shorten the duration of the common cold.
Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs (UPC 732216301656, all lots) - A nasal cleansing swab product that was discontinued in December 2024.
Orajel Baby Teething Swabs (UPC 310310400002, all lots) - Pre-moistened swabs designed to soothe teething discomfort in infants and toddlers.
Consumer Response and Refund Process
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products should stop using them immediately. Church & Dwight has established a dedicated recall website at www.churchdwightrecall.com and a Consumer Relations hotline at (800) 981-4710, available Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm ET, to process full refunds and address consumer questions.
Regulatory Oversight
The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consumers experiencing adverse reactions or quality problems with these products can report them to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm, by mail, or by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
Product Line Impact
The recall is limited exclusively to the three specified Zicam and Orajel swab products. All other products in the Zicam and Orajel product lines, including Zicam RapidMelts, remain unaffected by this safety action and continue to be available for consumer use.
