Cough Syrups Recalled Over Possible 'Life-Threatening' Contamination

WARREN, NJ — A popular brand of cough syrup sold nationwide has been recalled because it could contain a life-threatening microbial contamination, federal health regulators said Wednesday.

Haleon voluntarily recalled eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. The product could be tainted with microbes, putting immunocompromised individuals at risk of severe or life-threatening adverse events such as fungemia or disseminated fungal infection.

For most people who use the syrup — non-immunocompromised consumers — life-threatening infections are unlikely, the FDA said in a news release. However, an infection that could require medical intervention couldn't be completely ruled out.

Haleon received no reports as of Wednesday of adverse events related to the cough syrup recall, health officials said.

The cough syrups provide temporary relief of flu and cold symptoms, as well as hay fever and other respiratory allergies.

The recall applies to the following products:

• ROBITUSSIN HONEY CF MAX DAY ADULT 4OZ
  • Lot No.: T10810
  • Expiration date: 31OCT2025
• ROBITUSSIN HONEY CF MAX DAY ADULT 8OZ
  • Lot Nos. T08730, T08731, T08732, T08733, T10808
  • Expiration dates: 31MAY2025, 31MAY2025, 31MAY2025, 31MAY2025, 30SEP2025
• ROBITUSSIN HONEY CF MAX NT ADULT 8OZ
  • Lot Nos.: T08740, T08742
  • Expiration dates: 30JUN2026, 30JUN2026

Haleon is directly notifying impacted stores and customers, the FDA said, and has provided them with instructions for returning the products.

Anyone who bought the cough syrups should stop using them and call Haleon's Consumer Relations team at 1-800-245-1040 or email them at mystory.us@haleon.com.

Anyone who experiences adverse health problems after taking the syrup should contact their doctor or healthcare provider. Adverse reactions or quality problems can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by mail or by fax.