Xiamen Kang Zhongyuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd. of Xiamen, China, has voluntarily recalled multiple varieties of cough drops and throat lozenges sold nationwide under six different store-brand labels after the FDA identified manufacturing quality concerns during a facility inspection. No illnesses have been reported. Because a single Chinese manufacturer produces the drops for multiple U.S. retailers, the recall spans brands that appear unrelated on store shelves but share the same production source.
What’s Being Recalled?
The recalled products were sold under six store-brand labels at national and regional pharmacy, grocery, and military retailers. Affected brands include:
QC Quality Choice — multiple varieties including Cherry, Honey Lemon, Menthol, Vanilla Honey, Sugar-Free Honey Lemon, Sugar-Free Black Cherry, and Creamy Strawberry Throat Soothing Drops in 25- and 30-count bags. Lot numbers 20240524, 20240720, and 20241030, with expiration dates from May through October 2026.
Exchange Select — Honey Lemon and Menthol Cough Drops, 30-count bags. Lot number 20241030, expiration October 2026. Sold at military exchanges.
Caring Mill — Cherry Cough Drops, 90-count bag. Lot number 20241030, expiration October 2026.
Discount Drug Mart Food Market — Honey Lemon and Menthol Cough Drops, 30-count bags. Lot number 20241030, expiration October 2026.
MGC Health — Sugar-Free Honey Lemon, Honey Lemon 30-count, and Honey Lemon 80-count bags. Lot numbers 20240524, 20240720, and 20240730, with expiration dates from May through July 2026.
Why Were These Products Recalled?
The recall stems from FDA observations made during an August 15, 2025, inspection of the Xiamen Kang Zhongyuan manufacturing facility. The FDA noted conditions that “may bear on product quality” but has not publicly specified the exact nature of those observations. The FDA recommended the recall based on those findings. A Class II designation means serious adverse health consequences are considered remote, but temporary or reversible health effects are possible.
What Should You Do?
Check your medicine cabinet for any cough drops matching the brand names, lot numbers, and expiration dates listed above. Stop using the affected products and return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund. For the complete list of affected UPC codes and lot numbers, visit the FDA’s enforcement report page at fda.gov.
Source: https://fox8.com/news/cough-drops-sold-nationwide-recalled-fda/
