A faulty batch of Vicks VapoRub has been recalled over misleading labels

A faulty batch of Vicks VapoRub has been recalled over misinformation on the labels – here’s how to know whether your product is safe.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration announced last week that a batch of Vicks VapoRub Xtra Strong has been recalled after discovering that the bottles had been labelled incorrectly. 

According to reports, a batch of Vicks VapoRub Xtra Strong 100g jar had been mislabeled as the Vicks VapoRub ointment 100g – a mistake, since it contains the stronger formula. While products labeled Xtra Strong are packed with a red label and red lid, the usual formulation features a green label and a green lid. 

The batch in question is numbered 222605 and has been packed with a red lid, but a green label. Concerned persons should check the color of the lid and the label, along with the batch number to see if their purchased product is among the recalled batch. 

While both are used to treat common cold, cough, and nasal congestion, a statement from the TGA clarified that the stronger alternative contained different concentrations of ingredients and ran the risk of producing reactions in people with an aversion to them. 

“Vicks VapoRub Xtra Strong contains different levels of active ingredients (menthol and Eucalyptus oil), excipient ingredients, warning statements and usage instructions than [the] Ointment,” the statement said. 

In addition to the constituents mentioned above, the Xtra Strong variant also contains cedar-wood oil, cardamom, and ginger. Due to the incorrect labelling, people who might be reactive to the above might run the risk of showing signs of allergy.

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