A Costco-brand cold and flu medicine has been voluntarily pulled from shelves due to concerns over potential contamination.
The recall involves Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion, specifically item number #1729556 with lot code P140082. According to a notice posted on Costco’s website, the impacted products were sold at select locations in the Midwest and Southeast between October 30 and November 30, 2024.
The recall was initiated by the manufacturer, LNK International Inc., “out of an abundance of caution” after the accidental shipment of a lot code that had been previously rejected for potential foreign material contamination. While no specific incidents or injuries have been reported, customers are being advised not to use the product and to return any remaining boxes to Costco for a full refund.
For further questions or concerns, LNK International has provided contact information: 1-800-426-9391 or [email protected].
The lot code in question, P140082, is printed directly on the packaging of the affected boxes. Customers who have purchased Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion are encouraged to check their product immediately to ensure it is not part of the recall.
RECALL ALERT 🚨 Costco recently notified consumers that packs of its Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion caplets have been recalled amid cold and flu season.https://t.co/FYLbQHReun
— Good Morning America (@GMA) January 6, 2025
This recall follows another issue last month involving the same Kirkland cold and flu medicine. In December 2024, the FDA announced a recall of 8,640 boxes of the product, citing concerns about the active ingredient oral phenylephrine. The ingredient was deemed “not effective” as a nasal decongestant after a comprehensive review, raising questions about its use in over-the-counter medications. The December recall affected products with lot numbers P139953 and P139815, which had an expiration date of August 2026.
Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News’ senior medical analyst, weighed in on the concerns surrounding oral phenylephrine, stating that while the chemical is ineffective for cold and flu symptoms in its oral form, high doses can lead to adverse effects such as heart palpitations, arrhythmias, and elevated blood pressure. These concerns led to increased scrutiny of products containing the ingredient.
For Costco shoppers, these recalls may raise concerns about the reliability of over-the-counter medications. The company has encouraged customers to remain vigilant, check their purchases for the affected lot codes, and seek refunds or further information if necessary. Costco’s proactive communication about the issue and the manufacturer’s recall reflect a broader effort to prioritize customer safety.
As the cold and flu season continues, consumers are reminded to stay informed about product recalls and to consult healthcare professionals with any concerns about symptoms or treatments. For now, anyone in possession of the recalled Kirkland product is urged to discontinue use and return the product for a refund.
