Eleven UK retailers including Boots recall batches of cold and flu capsules

Eleven UK retailers including Boots, Tesco and Aldi are recalling batches of cold and flu capsules after a mistake on the packaging overstated the safe maximum daily dose for children.

The capsules, made by Wrafton Laboratories, trading as Perrigo, were sold by Wilko, Spar, Waitrose, Asda, Superdrug, Sainsbury’s, Lloyds and Morrisons.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which issued the recall, said the risk to consumers is low.

The packaging incorrectly advises that children aged 12 to 15 can take a maximum of up to 12 capsules (3.6g of paracetamol per day) in any 24-hour period.

The labelling should state a maximum daily dose of eight capsules per day (2.4g of paracetamol) for 12 to 15-year-olds, which is slightly lower than the MHRA’s recommendation that children in this age group should take 3g of paracetamol in a day at most.

Each pack has 16 capsules containing 300mg of paracetamol, which provides two days of treatment at the maximum dose.

The MHRA said the company is currently correcting its labelling and the products have been taken off shelves until this is completed.

MHRA chief safety officer Dr Alison Cave said: ‘I want to reassure people that while this recall is aimed at retail level only, patient safety is at the centre of all our decision-making.

‘If you or your child are aged 12 to 15, have recently used these capsules and have not experienced any side-effects, there is no cause for concern. 

‘If you currently have one of these packets at home, please take note of the corrected dose in this age group and talk to your pharmacist if you are unsure of these changes.

‘If you have any other questions, please speak to your healthcare professional and report any adverse reactions via the Yellow Card scheme.’

Perrigo has been contacted for comment.