Costco recalls Kirkland Signature cold and flu medication due to potential contamination, urging customers to return affected products for a full refund.
If you’re one of the millions of Americans falling sick this winter from common colds and flu viruses, you could have already been affected!
At a Glance
- Costco recalls Kirkland Signature “Severe Cold and Flu Plus Congestion” medication
- Recall due to potential contamination with foreign material
- Affected products sold between October 30 and November 30, 2024
- Recalled items have lot code P140082
- Customers advised to return affected products for a full refund
Costco Takes Action on Contamination Concerns
Costco has initiated a recall of its Kirkland Signature “Severe Cold and Flu Plus Congestion” medication due to potential contamination with foreign material. The wholesale giant is taking this step to ensure customer safety, despite no reported injuries or illnesses related to the affected products.
The recall specifically targets products with the lot code P140082, which were sold between October 30 and November 30, 2024. Costco has advised customers not to use any remaining product from this batch and to return it to their local Costco store for a full refund.
Costco has issued a recall for some Kirkland brand severe cold and flu medications sold at certain stores due to potential contamination.
– @nbcchicago https://t.co/23CwOLAIP1
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 6, 2025
Manufacturer’s Role and Recall Details
The medication was manufactured by LNK International, Inc., a New York-based company that “produces solid and liquid dose, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals for private label programs,” according to company information. The contamination issue arose from an “accidental release and shipment” of the affected lot by LNK International Inc.
“Do not use any remaining product marked with the above lot code; return the item to your local Costco for a full refund,” the Kirkland recall notice stated.
Costco has been proactive in addressing the situation, contacting customers who purchased the affected products and announcing the recall on January 2, 2024. The company emphasized that the recall is being conducted “out of an abundance of caution.”
While the specific contaminant has not been disclosed, the potential health risks associated with contaminated medication have prompted swift action. This recall comes at a time when flu infections are on the rise in the United States, with the CDC reporting elevated rates at the end of December.
The current flu season has resulted in approximately 63,000 hospitalizations, 2,700 deaths, and over 5.3 million illnesses. Annually, influenza affects between 9.3 million and 41 million people in the U.S., according to CDC data. This recall may impact those seeking relief from cold and flu symptoms during this heightened period of illness.
Don’t you think Costco should at least be honest about what contaminated the medication?
