Recall issued as 'foreign material' detected in cough medicine

Several batches of Tesco, Asda, Almus and Bells cough syrup have been recalled after a customer complained of finding 'foreign material' in a bottle.

After identifying that some bottles were contaminated, manufacturer Bells Healthcare has recalled several batches of the dextromethorphan hydrobromide BP containing products 'as a precautionary measure'.

Investigation and analysis into the issue 'remains ongoing', the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said in an alert issued yesterday (21 January).

Pharmacies have been instructed to stop supplying the below listed batches of Tesco Health Dry Cough Relief 200ml, Asda Strong Dry Tickly Cough 200ml, Almus Dry Cough Relief & Bells Dual Action Dry Cough, EL(25)A/03.

And they must quarantine all remaining stock and return it to their supplier using the supplier’s approved process.

Meanwhile, patients should be vigilant for any visible contamination and contact a healthcare professional if they have any concerns related to the product, the MHRA said.

And any suspected adverse reactions should be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, while patients experiencing any adverse reaction should seek medical attention.

The recalled batches of cough medicine are:

Tesco Health Dry Cough Relief 200ml, PL 03105/0076

Asda Strong Dry Tickly Cough 200ml, PL 03105/0076

Almus Dry Cough Relief, PL 03105/0076

Bells Dual Action Dry Cough, PL 03105/0076

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: dextromethorphan hydrobromide BP