Afrin recall overview:
Who: Bayer is recalling approximately 786,100 Travel Size Afrin Original Nasal Spray 6 mL bottles.
Why: The packaging fails to meet child-resistant standards, posing a poisoning risk if ingested by children.
Where: The Afrin recall is active in the United States.
Bayer is recalling nearly 786,100 units of its Travel Size Afrin Original Nasal Spray due to packaging that does not comply with child-resistant standards.
The recall, announced on April 30, involves Afrin nasal spray bottles with specific lot numbers, including 230361, 240822, 241198, 250066, 250152, 250646 and 250831.
These bottles, which are labeled as “Afrin® Original Nasal Spray” and “1/5 FL OZ (6 mL),” were sold at various retailers, including convenience stores and travel hubs, from September 2024 to April 2026.
“The 6 mL nasal spray’s packaging is not child-resistant nor bears the required labeling statement, posing a risk of serious injury or illness from poisoning, if the contents are swallowed by young children,” the Afrin recall states.
According to the recall notice, the packaging does not meet the Poison Prevention Packaging Act’s requirements for child-resistant packaging or proper labeling for non-complying packaging.
Bayer addresses packaging issue in Afrin nasal spray recall
The Afrin recall highlights the importance of child-resistant packaging for products containing potentially harmful substances. The Afrin nasal spray contains imidazoline, a compound that necessitates stringent packaging standards to prevent accidental ingestion by children.
Despite the potential risk, no incidents or injuries have been reported so far, according to the recall notice.
“Consumers should immediately secure the recalled bottles out of sight and reach of children and go to the webform posted on www.livewell.bayer.com/afrin-original-spray-recall to begin a request for a refund,” the recall notice advises.
The company has provided a toll-free number, 800 317-2165, for additional assistance, and more information can be found on its website.
Bayer says it has not received any reports of illness or injury related to the Afrin recall so far. The company is not currently facing legal action over the recall, but Top Class Actions follows recalls closely as they sometimes lead to class action lawsuits.
Last year, Walgreens recalled more than 41,000 bottles of its Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol due to potential bacterial contamination concerns.