Children's blackcurrant cough syrup has been recalled due to potential health risk

Several own-brand blackcurrant cough syrups, including those from Tesco, Superdrug and Morrisons, have been recalled by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency after it was discovered some have an ingredient that allows mould to grow inside the bottle.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a precautionary recall of several own-brand blackcurrant cough syrups after a potential health risk was discovered.

Eight blackcurrant cough syrups are thought to be at risk of containing an ingredient that lets mould grow. The brands affected are:

Asda Children’s Dry Cough Syrup Glycerol Blackcurrant Flavour

Bell’s Healthcare Children's Dry Cough Glycerin 0.75g/5ml Syrup

Morrisons Children’s Dry Tickly Cough Glycerin 0.75g/5ml Oral Solution

Numark Children’s Dry Cough 0.75 g/5 ml Oral Solution

Sainsbury’s Children’s Dry Cough 0.75g/5ml Syrup

Superdrug Children’s Dry Tickly Cough Glycerin 0.75 g/5 ml Oral Solution

Tesco Children’s Dry Cough Syrup

Wilko Tickly Cough 0.75g/5ml Oral Solution

Six of the affected blackcurrant cough syrups 

Parents are being encouraged to check if they have any of the eight cough syrups listed and to return it to where you purchased it from. Only a small number of batches from the eight different brands are thought to be affected and there is a low chance that consuming an infected batch could cause a reaction. The recall is a precautionary measure but it's best to return the product if you have any doubt.

Dr Sam Atkinson, MHRA director of the Inspection, Enforcement and Standards Division explained: 'Check if you have any of the listed cough syrups and if you do, please don’t use them. Take them back to where you bought them from. The mould is not always visible, so return any of the affected cough syrup bottles, even if it looks okay to use. If your child has recently taken one of these cough syrups, and, in the unlikely event that they have become unwell or had a reaction, please speak to your GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.'

Dr Atkinson added: 'Our highest priority is making sure the medicines you and your family take are safe. This is why, even though there is a low risk of a reaction, we have asked the company to carry out this recall and why we want people to check their medicine cabinets.'