Health officials have announced a recall for Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs due to fungal contamination that may pose “serious and life-threatening” risks.
The recall involves the following swab products:
- Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, with UPC 732216301205, all lots: A zinc-free, homeopathic cold remedy swab designed to shorten the duration of the common cold.
- Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs, with UPC 732216301656, all lots: A nasal cleansing swab product (discontinued in December 2024).
- Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs, with UPC 310310400002, all lots: Pre-moistened swabs designed to soothe teething discomfort in infants and toddlers.
No illnesses or infections were reported, but fungal contamination in a swab could pose a serious health risk, according to the recall:
“Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers.”
The health risks include “serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries.
The risk is highest (potentially severe or life-threatening) among children and individuals with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions,” according to Church & Dwight Co., Inc., the parent company of Zicam® and Orajel® brands and the recalled products.