Karmactive Staff
A nationwide recall now affects Safetussin Max Strength Multi-Symptom Cough, Cold and Flu tablets because the packaging is too easy for children to open. About 14,250 blister packs sold between July 2024 and March 2025 are part of this safety alert.
Kramer Laboratories announced the voluntary recall on April 10. The New Jersey-based company found their medication packaging breaks federal safety rules meant to protect children from accidental poisoning.
The cold medicine contains acetaminophen, which must have special packaging that children can’t easily open. The current blister packs fail this test – children can push the tablets through the foil backing without much effort, creating a real danger if they swallow the medication.
The recalled products are 24-count caplet blister packs with “Safetussin,” “Multi-Symptom,” “Cough, Cold & Flu,” and “Safe for adults with High Blood Pressure, Diabetes” on the label. They come in blue, orange, and red cardboard boxes and cost about $11. Stores selling these products included HEB, Harris-Teeter, regional grocery chains, and local pharmacies across the country.
No one has reported any poisonings from these products yet, but the risk remains serious. Acetaminophen affects children differently than adults. A child’s liver can’t process the drug as well, so even a small amount can cause damage. What makes this especially dangerous is that signs of poisoning might not show up right away.
Similar Posts
A child who swallows too much acetaminophen might start with stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. As the situation gets worse, their skin might turn yellow, they might seem confused, and their liver could stop working properly. By this point, the damage can be severe and hard to reverse.
The recall has been officially numbered as 25-223 by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. While only the packaging breaks the rules, health officials recommend getting rid of both the packaging and the medicine.
If you bought this product, move it somewhere children cannot reach it immediately. Then contact Kramer Laboratories for your refund. Call them at 800-824-4894 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, email [email protected], or visit safetussin.com/recall.
Child-resistant packaging plays a vital role in home safety. The Poison Prevention Packaging Act requires special packaging for products containing potentially harmful substances like acetaminophen. These packaging designs create barriers that make it difficult for young children to access the contents, while still allowing adults to use the products properly.
For families, the safest approach is keeping all medicines in their original containers with safety caps fully closed. Store them in locked cabinets or high shelves where children can’t climb or reach. These simple precautions help protect children from accidental poisoning.
The recalled Safetussin tablets were made in India before Kramer Laboratories distributed them throughout the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued this recall to protect public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Safetussin Max Strength Multi-Symptom Cough, Cold and Flu 24-count caplet blister packs are being recalled. They are labeled with “Safetussin,” “Multi-Symptom,” “Cough, Cold & Flu,” and “Safe for adults with High Blood Pressure, Diabetes.” The product comes in a blue, orange, and red cardboard box.
The product is being recalled because its packaging is not child-resistant as required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. The tablets can be easily pushed through the foil backing, creating a poisoning risk if young children access and swallow the medication, which contains acetaminophen.
Check if you have Safetussin Max Strength Multi-Symptom Cough, Cold and Flu 24-count caplet blister packs in a blue, orange, and red cardboard box. These were sold at HEB, Harris-Teeter, regional grocery stores, and independent pharmacies nationwide from July 2024 through March 2025 for about $11.
Immediately secure the product out of the sight and reach of children. Then contact Kramer Laboratories at 800-824-4894 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET), by email at [email protected], or visit safetussin.com/recall for information on how to return or dispose of the product for a full refund.
The recall is due to the packaging not being child-resistant, not because of any issue with the medicine itself. However, if young children access and swallow the medication, it can be dangerous as it contains acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage in children even in small doses. For safety reasons, both the packaging and the medicine should be disposed of or returned.
No illnesses or injuries related to this packaging issue have been reported to date. The recall is a preventative measure to avoid potential child poisoning incidents.
