Widely Sold Cold And Baby Products Pulled From Shelves Over Hidden Risk, FDA Says

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of several Zicam and Orajel swab products due to potential fungal contamination that could pose serious health risks, especially for children and people with weakened immune systems.

The products were sold nationwide, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes on its recall page.

Recalled Products

The following items are included in the recall:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs UPC: 732216301205
  • A homeopathic cold remedy to shorten the duration of colds.
• Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs UPC: 732216301656
  • A nasal cleansing swab, discontinued in December 2024.
• Orajel Baby Teething Swabs UPC: 310310400002
  • Swabs to soothe teething pain in infants and toddlers.

All lots within their expiration date are being recalled.

Health Risk

The company says the swabs may contain fungi in the cotton components. If used, especially by individuals with nasal inflammation or injuries, the contaminated swabs could lead to serious or even life-threatening infections, such as bloodstream infections.

The risk is greatest for children and people with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions.

So far, no serious adverse events have been reported.

Sold At Target

According to Target, the recalled products were sold in stores and online at Target.com. Recalled items include:

• Zicam Cold Remedy Zinc-Free Nasal Swabs (20 count) Target Item No. 094-03-0147 / Online Item No. 17447006 Price: $11.19
• Orajel Daytime Cooling Swabs Teething Treatment Target Item No. 007-00-0015 / Online Item No. 92390407 Price: $6.99

Target advises consumers to check lot numbers and product details using the manufacturer's recall page. Only the listed swab products are affected; other Zicam and Orajel items remain safe for use.

What To Do

Consumers are urged to:

• Stop using the affected products immediately
• Request a full refund by visiting churchdwightrecall.com or calling (800) 981-4710
• Report any adverse health reactions to the FDA MedWatch program online or by calling 1-800-332-1088

This recall does not affect other Zicam or Orajel products, including Zicam RapidMelts.

Visit the FDA recall page here for more info.