Robitussin Recall Issued Due to Microbial Contamination of Honey CF Max Cough Syrup

While no injuries have been linked to the cough syrup microbial contamination, the manufacturer has yet to determine how the recalled Robitussin became tainted and has not identified the specific contaminant.

Federal health officials are warning about a risk of severe and potentially life-threatening fungal infections that may be caused by Robitussin, indicating that certain lots of its honey-flavored cough syrup products may contain microbial bacteria.

The Robitussin recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 24, indicating several cough syrup products intended to relieve cold, flu, or other respiratory allergy symptoms among adults, may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria or fungus.

Officials warn that use of the tainted products may result in serious and invasive bacterial or fungal infections, including fungemia, or disseminated fungal infections, which can spread to other organs and areas of the body. Federal regulators indicate those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to developing more severe and potentially fatal infections from exposure to microorganisms.

Robitussin Cough Syrup Recall

The recall impacts eight lots of Robitussin maximum strength, adult cough syrup with honey for both day and nighttime use. It includes Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 4 oz. products with lot number T10810 and expiration date October 31, 2025, Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 8 oz. products with lot numbers T08730-T08733, T10808 and expiration dates May 31, 2025 or September 30, 2025, as well as Robitussin Honey CF Max NT Adult 8 oz. products with lot numbers T08740, T08742 and expiration date June 30, 2026.

To date, the manufacturer has not received any reports of illnesses or injuries in relation to the microbial contamination, and did not specify in the recall announcement how the products became contaminated, or what they are contaminated with.

Haleon, the manufacturer, indicates it is directly notifying distributors and customers of the recall, with instructions on how to return the affected products.

Consumers are being asked to immediately stop using the cough syrups and contact the Haleon customer relations team by phone at 1-800-245-1040, from Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM ET, or by emailing mystory.us@haleon.com.

The FDA also encourages consumers to report any adverse reactions they experienced while using the liquid cough medicines to the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program.