- Cold and flu medications are among around 2,000 products being recalled by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration over rat feces contamination concerns.
- The products were distributed across Minnesota, Indiana, and North Dakota, and apply to brands like Tylenol, NyQuil, and more.
- Here’s a list of impacted products.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a massive recall of nearly 2,000 products, including popular over-the-counter cold and flu medications like Tylenol and NyQuil, due to concerns over unsanitary conditions.
According to an announcement published late last month, the recall was initiated after the FDA determined the distribution facility where products were held, Gold Star Distribution, Inc., had been contaminated with rodent urine and feces, as well as bird droppings. The FDA warned that the products themselves may have been contaminated as a result, and handling them could pose a “serious health risk” for consumers. If you believe you have impacted products, throw them away and do not consume or use them.
There are multiple possible adverse health effects at play when it comes to animal excrement, including Salmonella and leptospirosis. Salmonella may trigger symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. More serious effects may include arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis. Children, pregnant people, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems can experience more severe infections or even death.
Leptospirosis symptoms may include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sometimes there may be a second phase that includes kidney or liver failure or meningitis.
Which products are affected?
Almost 2,000 items in a variety of categories are impacted. The list of recalled products spans 44 pages and includes several popular over-the-counter medications from brands like NyQuil and Tylenol; certain food products for both humans and pets are also listed.
The cold and flu medications that are subjected to the recall include the following:
DayQuil Cold & Flu 32CT/2PK
UPC: 2032390004837 3
Liquid DayQuil 12/8oz
UPC: 323900014350
NyQuil Cold & Flu 32CT/2PK
UPC: 2032390004836 6
Liquid NyQuil Cherry 12/8oz
UPC: 323900014251
Children NyQuil Cold & Flu Berry 8oz 12ct
UPC: 323900014336
Tylenol Cold & Flu 25CT/2S
UPC: 815556020323
Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe 2PK 50CT
No UPC provided
Tylenol Sinus Severe 2PL 50CT
No UPC provided
As the list of affected products is extensive and does include other over-the-counter medications, it’s worth checking in full if you shop at one of the 54 stores to which the items were distributed. Most of the stores are located across Minnesota, with some in Indiana and North Dakota.
What to do with recalled items
If you purchased a recalled item from one of the stores listed, it’s advised to “destroy the products as soon as possible.” Anyone interested in a refund should contact Gold Star directly.
Although no illnesses have been reported from this recall as of yet, the FDA also encourages anyone who experiences adverse effects to contact the MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
Read the full article here