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AN URGENT recall of "contaminated" cough syrups has warned Brits to be "vigilant" after they were sold by two major supermarkets.

Foreign material was detected in some of the bottles with an investigation ongoing and 18 different batch codes affected.

Senior man experiencing chest pain and coughing.
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Those who have bought one of the batches listed will need to take noteCredit: Getty
Almus Dry Cough Relief, 200ml bottle.  Contains Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide.  Can cause addiction.
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The urgent recall of ‘contaminated’ cough syrups includes one under the brand name AlmusCredit: Almus
Box of Bell's Dual Action Dry Cough oral solution.
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Bells Healthcare also sold a cough syrup that has been listed in the urgent warningCredit: Bells

Tesco and Asda sold bottles that were listed on the recall with both being advised to stop selling affected batches immediately.

Four brands of cough syrup have been hit with the recall - with Bells Healthcare describing the measure as "precautionary".

Patients have also been advised to be "vigilant" for any visible contamination and to contact a healthcare professional if they have any concerns.

Although the products have been produced by Bells Healthcare the 200ml bottles have various names at the different supermarkets.

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Anyone who has nabbed a cough syrup in the past few years may want to take note as some of the bottles affected were first distributed as far back as September 2022.

Tesco's shoppers checking their medicine cabinet will want to look for the own brand Health Dry Cough Relief 200ml.

While those who picked up a syrup from Asda will want to check for their Strong Dry Tickly Cough 200ml.

Almus Dry Cough Relief and Bells Dual Action Dry Cough have also been listed in the precautionary recall.

All of the affected bottles contain dextromethorphan hydrobromide BP, an ingredient commonly used to suppress coughs and common colds.

Concern was raised by a single customer who identified the "contamination".

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The precautionary recall has also advised stockists to quarantine any bottles listed and return it to their supplier.

Although patients should watch out for any "visible contamination", no action is needed beyond this at the moment.

The Sun has approached Tesco, Asda, Almus and Bells Healthcare for comment.

It comes after Greggs urgently recalled its steak bakes after they were found to contain sulphites which had not been declared on the label.

The Food Standards Agency (FCA) revealed how the bakery chain put out the warning for its two-packs of the treat.

Meanwhile, Lidl was forced to act similarly over fears that Cheddar cheese could cause "flu-like symptoms".

Shoppers were warned "do not eat" if they had already got their hands on the Deluxe Sriracha Cheddar Wedge.

The 150g block had an expiry date of May 11 2025.

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Both Asda and Sainsbury's were involved in another "possible health risk" after the McGhee's Family Bakers recalled packs of six Scottish Brown Rolls.

Included in the warning were several packs of white rolls after they were found to contain soya.

Which batches are affected?

THOSE who have recently got their hands on a bottle of cough syrup may want to see if their purchase could be affected by the recall.

They can do this by comparing the 200ml bottle name, batch number and expiration date.

Tesco Health Dry Cough Relief 200ml, PL 03105/0076

  • 235B1 01/09/2025
  • 240C3 01/03/2026
  • 242C1 01/07/2026 
  • 245C3 01/09/2026 
  • Asda Strong Dry Tickly Cough 200ml, PL 03105 / 0076

  • 236B1 01/12/2025 
  • 240C2 01/03/2026 
  • 243C1 01/08/2026 
  • 245C2 01/09/2026 
  • 246C1 01/11/2027 
  • 247D1 01/02/2027 
  • 248D1 01/04/2027 
  • 250D1 01/07/2027
  • Almus Dry cough Relief

  • 249D1 01/06/2027
  • Bells Dual action Dry Cough

  • 237C1 01/01/2026 
  • 238C1 01/01/2026 
  • 239C1 01/01/2026 
  • 242C2 01/07/2026 
  • 243C2 01/08/2026 
  • Red liquid pouring from a bottle into a spoon.
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    Two major supermarkets have previously sold the batches which are potentially affectedCredit: Getty
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