Zicam and Orajel Products Recalled Over Potentially Dangerous Fungal Contamination

By Madelaine Panganiban

Updated: Jun 11 2025, 10:35 AM EDT

Zicam and Orajel Products Recalled Over Potentially Dangerous Fungal Contamination — Boxes of Zicam cold remedy sit in the storeroom of a drugstore after the company chose to remove the product from its stores following an FDA warning to consumers about using the product June 17, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. Scott Olson/Getty Images/Getty Images

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of several Zicam and Orajel swab products due to possible fungal contamination, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on June 6.

The recall includes Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs, and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs, which were distributed across the United States and Puerto Rico. All lots of these swabs are affected.

According to the FDA, fungi were found in the cotton swab components, which could pose serious health risks, especially to children, people with weakened immune systems, or those with existing medical conditions.

The swabs could potentially lead to severe or life-threatening blood infections, particularly if a person's nasal tissue is already irritated or damaged, USA Today said.

"Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers," the FDA alert stated.

Church & Dwight Co., Inc. voluntarily issued a recall for select Zicam and Orajel products due to possible fungi contamination. https://t.co/m0jR4mbPoW
— RGJ.com (@rgj) June 11, 2025

No Injuries Reported, But Swab Recall Urges Caution

Here's a quick look at the recalled items:

Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs (UPC 732216301205): A homeopathic product designed to reduce cold symptoms.
Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs (UPC 732216301656): A nasal cleansing product that was discontinued in December 2024.
Orajel Baby Teething Swabs (UPC 310310400002): Pre-moistened swabs used to ease teething pain in babies and toddlers.

No serious injuries or illnesses have been reported so far, but officials are urging people to stop using the swabs immediately if they have any on hand.

According to TheHill, Consumers can request a full refund by visiting www.churchdwightrecall.com or calling (800) 981-4710, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 pm ET.

Anyone with concerns about the recalled products can report them to the FDA's MedWatch program, either online or by mail.

Church & Dwight emphasized that this recall only affects the listed swab products. Other items under the Zicam and Orajel names — including Zicam RapidMelts — are not part of this recall and remain safe to use.