Bayer recalls nearly 800,000 Afrin Nasal Spray bottles over child poisoning risk
(May 1, 2026) Bayer is recalling approximately 786,100 travel-size bottles of Afrin® Original Nasal Spray following a federal safety warning that the packaging poses a potential poisoning risk to children.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the affected 6 mL bottles contain imidazoline—a substance required under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act to be sold in child-resistant containers or carry specific warning labels if they are not. The recalled products fail to meet both requirements, creating a risk of serious injury or illness if swallowed by young children.
The voluntary recall, announced yesterday, applies only to unexpired Afrin® Original Nasal Spray in the 6 mL travel size. Officials emphasized that no injuries or incidents have been reported to date, and that all other Afrin products are packaged safely and are not included in the recall.
The bottles were sold nationwide at convenience stores, airports, and other travel hubs between September 2024 and April 2026. Major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon were not involved in distributing the affected items.
Image credit: CPSC
Consumers are urged to immediately store the nasal spray out of children’s reach and begin the refund process by submitting a photo through Bayer’s recall webform. After completing the claim, customers will be instructed on proper disposal of the product.
The recall involves unexpired Travel Size Afrin Original Nasal Spray 6 mL bottles, with Lot numbers 230361, 240822, 241198, 250066, 250152, 250646, and 250831, per the CPSC, and has the brand name printed on the bottle. No other Afrin sizes are included in the recall.
Consumers should go to the webform online to begin to request a refund. Consumers need to submit a photo of the product before disposing of it to receive a refund.
Bayer said it is working with regulators and retailers to remove the affected items from circulation and prevent further risk.
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(Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ABC 27 News (WHTM), and Fox Business News)
(Cover photo: New York Post per X)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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