Zicam Nasal Swabs, Orajel Teething Swabs Recalled Due to Potential Microbial Contamination: FDA

Recalled Zicam and Orajel swabs could present life-threatening risks to children and individuals with weakened immune systems.

A voluntary recall has been issued for certain Zicam Nasal Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs manufactured by Church & Dwight Co., due to a potential risk of microbial contamination from fungi.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the Zicam Nasal Swab and Orajel Teething Swab recall on June 6, urging consumers to stop using the products immediately after fungi was detected in some swab components.

The recalled Zicam Nasal Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs are over-the-counter healthcare products commonly sold at major retailers nationwide, including pharmacies, grocery stores and online platforms. Zicam Nasal Swabs are marketed as homeopathic remedies to relieve nasal congestion and cold symptoms, while Orajel Teething Swabs are used to soothe gum discomfort in infants during teething. These single-use swabs are popular among consumers seeking quick, at-home relief for common nasal and oral discomfort.

However, the now recalled products may pose significant health and safety risks to consumers after being found to be contaminated with fungi, which can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening blood infections, particularly in individuals with damaged nasal or oral tissue due to inflammation or injury.

While no serious adverse reactions have been reported, officials warn that infants, immunocompromised individuals and people with underlying health conditions face the greatest risk of severe illness, or even death, if exposed to the contaminated swabs.

The recall includes all lots of Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, used for cold relief and nasal cleaning, as well as Orajel Baby Teething Swabs. According to the recall notice, the recalled products are marked with the following products and UPC codes: 

• Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs (UPC 732216301205, all lots): A homeopathic product applied inside the nose, intended to reduce the length of cold symptoms without the use of zinc.
• Zicam® Nasal AllClear Swabs (UPC 732216301656, all lots): A nasal hygiene swab marketed for cleansing and moisture, which has since been discontinued as of December 2024.
• Orajel™ Baby Teething Swabs (UPC 310310400002, all lots): Single-use swabs pre-filled with a soothing solution to help ease gum discomfort in babies and young children during teething.

The nasal and teething swabs were manufactured by Church & Dwight Co., Inc. and were distributed nationwide in the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled products and to contact www.churchdwightrecall.com or call Church & Dwight Co., Inc. Customer Relations at 800-981-4710 for a full refund. Customers can also contact the Customer Relations team with any additional questions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Adverse reactions experienced with the use of the product may be reported online to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program, or by mail or fax by calling 1-800-332-1088 to request a form.