Key Point Summary – Popular Kids’ Cough Medicine Recalled

• Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup pulled over Bacillus cereus contamination
• Five specific lots impacted, but recall now includes all unexpired bottles
• Bacteria can trigger stomach illness and may cause death with long exposure
• Product sold across the U.S. between December 2022 and June 2025
• Parents urged to stop using syrup and contact doctors if symptoms arise
• Refunds are available for affected customers through Medtech
• FDA confirms product poses danger to vulnerable children

Dangerous Bacteria Found in Children’s Syrup

A trusted children’s cough medicine has been pulled from shelves after officials found it contaminated with dangerous bacteria. Medtech Products announced a recall for its Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup after discovering Bacillus cereus, a foodborne pathogen.

This bacteria doesn’t just upset stomachs—it can lead to severe illness or even death, especially if children are exposed over time. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning on June 18, urging parents to take the threat seriously.

What the Bacteria Can Do to Kids

Bacillus cereus can cause two types of illnesses, both involving painful gastrointestinal symptoms. One comes with nausea, vomiting, and cramps within hours of use. The other hits later, bringing diarrhea and abdominal pain.

For healthy adults, the illness might pass quickly. However, young children face a higher risk. Long-term or high-dose exposure, the FDA warns, could be fatal.

This isn’t just a case of minor spoilage. This is a potentially deadly product still sitting in household medicine cabinets.

Which Batches Are Affected?

So far, five lots of the syrup have been identified in the recall. But the company also included any bottles still within their expiration date, no matter the lot number.

Affected lots include:

• Lot 0039 – Expires 11/2025
• Lot 0545 – Expires 01/2026
• Lot 0640 – Expires 02/2026
• Lot 0450 – Expires 05/2026
• Lot 1198 – Expires 12/2026

Each product comes in a 4 fl oz amber bottle with UPC 7-56184-10737-9.

Since the recall now spans all valid bottles, families across the country may unknowingly own a contaminated product.

Distributed Coast to Coast

Medtech shipped the affected syrup nationwide between December 14, 2022, and June 4, 2025. That means this contaminated medicine could already be in countless homes, daycare centers, and schools.

Although Medtech has not shared how the contamination occurred, the company moved quickly to delete affected stock from distribution lines. Still, many parents feel caught off guard and outraged by the discovery.

What Should Parents Do Now?

The FDA strongly recommends immediate discontinuation of the syrup. If your child has already taken the medicine, monitor them closely for any of the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever or general discomfort

Even mild signs should not be ignored. Pediatricians stress that early detection is key in preventing complications.

Refunds Offered for Affected Bottles

Medtech confirmed that it will refund customers who purchased recalled bottles. If you believe you bought one, act fast. Here’s how to get help:

• Email: medicalaffairs@prestigebrands.com
• Phone: (800) 754-8853
• Website: prestigebrands.com

Include proof of purchase if possible. Some customers have already begun receiving refunds and support.

Medical Experts Demand Answers

Health professionals are raising questions. How did this contamination go unnoticed for so long? And why were so many batches affected?

One infectious disease specialist noted, “This shows a serious lapse in safety testing. Children’s medicine must undergo tighter inspection.”

Consumer safety watchdogs are also calling on the FDA to increase oversight of over-the-counter pediatric medications, which don’t always face the same scrutiny as prescriptions.

A Wake-Up Call for Parents

Now more than ever, families are urged to check their medicine cabinets. If you see a bottle of Little Remedies Honey Cough Syrup, dispose of it safely—even if your child hasn’t used it.

As one outraged mother wrote online, “This syrup has been in my home for a year. I trusted it. Now I’m terrified.”

Until authorities give the all-clear and explain how this happened, health experts say the best approach is simple:

Avoid it entirely.

For now, a medicine meant to soothe kids’ coughs has become a nationwide health scare, and families are left wondering:

How many children got sick before the truth came out?