Medtech Products Inc. Issues Nationwide Recall of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup Due to Microbial Contamination
- No serious adverse events reported to date
- Company proactively initiating voluntary recall before any serious incidents
- Multiple contact channels established for consumer support and reimbursement
- Clear identification of affected lots and expiration dates provided
- Potential serious health risk from Bacillus cereus contamination
- Five lots of product affected across nationwide distribution
- Loss of shelf-stability in affected products
- Extended period of affected distribution (December 2022 through June 2025)
Insights
PBH's product recall of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup could damage brand trust and incur significant costs.
Prestige Consumer Healthcare's voluntary recall of five lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup represents a significant regulatory and compliance event that warrants close attention. The contamination with Bacillus cereus bacteria presents serious health risks, as this pathogen can cause two distinct types of foodborne illness with symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to profuse diarrhea. Most concerning is the statement that exposure to high levels could potentially be fatal in certain cases.
The scope of this recall is extensive, covering products distributed nationwide over a 30-month period from December 2022 through June 2025, with expiration dates extending to December 2026. This suggests a potentially wide consumer exposure, though the company reports no serious adverse events to date.
From a compliance perspective, Medtech is following proper FDA recall protocols by offering reimbursement, establishing multiple consumer contact channels, and reporting through the FDA's MedWatch program. However, the root cause of the contamination - specifically the mention of "loss of shelf-stability" - suggests potential manufacturing or quality control deficiencies that could trigger additional regulatory scrutiny.
The financial implications extend beyond the direct costs of the recall itself. While Little Remedies® is just one product line in Prestige's portfolio, consumer healthcare companies depend heavily on brand trust. Contamination issues, especially in products marketed for children, can damage reputation across an entire brand family and potentially impact retailer relationships. The timing of the recall - covering products still within their expiration window - will likely result in higher return rates and replacement costs.
TARRYTOWN, N.Y., June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Medtech Products Inc., a Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. company (“Medtech” or “Company”), is voluntarily recalling five lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup (the “Product”) due to the presence of Bacillus cereus and loss of shelf-stability. Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) can cause two types of food-borne illnesses. One type is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps that can start 1 to 6 hours after eating or drinking contaminated food. The second type can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea that can start 8 to 16 hours after eating or drinking contaminated food. Diarrhea may be a small volume or profuse and watery. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term illness, exposure to high levels of foodborne B. cereus can cause death.
The affected lots were distributed nationwide in the United States through retailers and online from 12/14/2022 through 06/04/2025.
The table below identifies the UPC, lot numbers, and expiration dates of the Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup impacted by this recall.
| Item UPC | Lot # | Exp. Date |
| 7-56184-10737-9 | 0039 | 11/2025 |
| 0545 | 01/2026 | |
| 0640 | 02/2026 | |
| 0450 | 05/2026 | |
| 1198 | 12/2026 |
Little Remedies® Honey Cough Syrup is packaged in a 4 FL OZ (118 mL) amber bottle and is sold in an outer carton with the Lot Code appearing both on the bottle label and on the bottom of the carton (images below).
This recall does not include any other Little Remedies® products.
Bottle Label:
Carton:
No serious adverse events have been reported to date.
All lots of Little Remedies® Honey Cough 4 FL OZ (118 mL) still within expiry are being included in the scope of the recall.
Consumers who have the recalled Product should stop using it immediately and should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to the use of this Product. The company will also offer reimbursement for consumers who have purchased Products from the recalled lots.
Consumers with refund requests or questions regarding this recall can contact Medtech via e-mail at medicalaffairs@prestigebrands.com, through its website at https://www.prestigebrands.com/contact, or by phone at (800) 754-8853 on Monday – Friday 8:30-5:30 eastern time.
Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
- Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.
This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ca32fb6c-5efc-4785-bf61-239d42d91bfb
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fca77e04-87d0-45ef-b10e-7b13ae6e4adc
FAQ
What lots of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup are affected by the PBH recall?
What are the health risks associated with the recalled Little Remedies cough syrup?
How can consumers get a refund for recalled Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup?
Have there been any reported illnesses from the contaminated Little Remedies cough syrup?
What should consumers do if they have the recalled Little Remedies cough syrup?
