Costco has issued a recall for its Kirkland Signature “Severe Cold and Flu Plus Congestion” medicine due to concerns over “potential foreign material contamination.” The recall was announced for products sold between October 30 and November 30, 2024, in select Midwest and Southeast stores, according to a notification on Costco’s website. Customers who purchased the product are advised not to use it and to return it to their local store for a full refund.
MAJOR BREAKING NEWS ALERT: Costco cold remedy recalled due to possible 'contamination'. Costco over-the-counter cold and flu medicine impacted for second time in less than a month.
— Saint James Hartline (@JamesHartline) January 5, 2025
A Costco-brand cold and flu medicine has been pulled from shelves "due to potential foreign… pic.twitter.com/eP22xXGBXN
The recall specifically affects item number #1729556 with the lot code P140082. The impacted medication, manufactured by LNK International, was recalled following the accidental release and shipment of a lot that had been previously rejected for contamination concerns. “Out of an abundance of caution, LNK has initiated a recall for the accidental release and shipment of a specific lot code that was rejected due to potential foreign material contamination,” reads the official statement.
Customers can contact LNK International directly at 1-800-426-9391 or via email at complaints-anyinquiries@lnkintl.com for further assistance or questions.
FDA Weighs In
This isn’t the first time this product has faced scrutiny. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) previously recalled 8,640 boxes of Kirkland Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion Day and Night packs over concerns about the ingredient oral phenylephrine. After conducting an “extensive review,” the FDA determined that oral phenylephrine is “not effective” as a nasal decongestant.
“This chemical is shown to be ineffective against cold and flu in its oral form, except at a dose that has some heart toxicity and can lead to palpitations, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure,” Fox News senior medical analyst, Dr. Marc Siegel, explained.
Costco’s History of Recalls
This recall adds to a growing list of product issues faced by Costco. In 2024, the retailer issued recalls for several products, including frozen meat, butter, eggs, and coconut water. A notable recall involved Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised eggs. The FDA found salmonella contamination in 10,800 cartons sold in 25 stores across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
A Costco over-the-counter cold and flu medicine has been impacted for second time in less than a month. https://t.co/2Jp3hCSL99 pic.twitter.com/ZJgZeIq1Tg
— FOX 2 Detroit (@FOX2News) January 6, 2025
According to USA Today, the eggs, supplied by Handsome Brook Farms of New York, were not meant for retail distribution but were mistakenly packaged and sold. This incident was classified as a Class I recall, indicating a “reasonable probability” of severe health consequences or death.
The FDA advised consumers not to eat the eggs and to either throw them away or return them to Costco for a refund.
What to Do If You Have the Recalled Medicine
If you have Kirkland Signature “Severe Cold and Flu Plus Congestion” medicine with the affected lot code, stop using it immediately. Return it to your local Costco for a full refund. Stay informed about recalls to ensure the safety of the products in your home.
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