Unlisted Morphine Ingredient Leads to Recall of Cough Syrup

Master Herbs, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of all 100 ml bottles of Licorice Coughing Liquid cough syrup. FDA photo.

Master Herbs, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of all 100 ml bottles of Licorice Coughing Liquid cough syrup, according to the United States Food & Drug Administration.

The cough syrup has reportedly been found to contain morphine, an opioid, which is not noted on the product’s label. It is an ingredient of Compound Camphor, which is listed on the label, but does not include the ingredients.

The product is used for the temporary relief of cough due to a cold and minor throat and bronchial irritation.

Chinese grocery stores in various parts of Hawai’i, California, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, and Nevada have carried the product, which is manufactured by the Ma Ying Long Pharmaceutical Group in China.

Those consuming the product may know that they are ingesting morphine. The ingestion of morphine could lead to life-threatening respiratory depression and death.

Patients who are hypersensitive to morphine could suffer severe allergic reactions, and young children with a respiratory illness who are vulnerable to respiratory depression from opioids should not be exposed to morphine in any event.

No incidents in relation to the unlisted morphine contents have been reported.

Master Herbs, Inc. is notifying its distributors and customers by phone or fax and is arranging for return of all recalled products.

Consumers that have the product which is being recalled should stop using the product and return it to the place of purchase. Retailers and wholesalers should stop distributing the product, quarantine any remaining inventory, and make arrangements to return the product.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Master Herbs, Inc. by phone at (626) 319-9915 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Hawai’i time, or anytime via email at [email protected].

Anyone who believes they have experienced any adverse events related with use of this product should contact their physician or healthcare provider.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail, or by fax.