Zicam® Recalled After FDA Issues Warning

By Evan Mix

Published on July 02, 2009

Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. has put into motion a promised recall of Zicam® cold and allergy products this week after the FDA issued a warning that characterized them as dangerous. The Zicam® line of products, which contain the element zinc, have caused some users to permanently lose their sense of smell.

Since 2006, Matrixx has spent millions of dollars to settle hundreds of lawsuits with Zicam® users who lost their sense of smell, with hundreds more still pending. Despite the warning and recall, the company denies that its products are responsible for the condition, which is known as anosmia. Spokespeople for Matrixx have claimed that anosmia is no more likely among users of its products than among the general population, and that the condition is more likely caused by the common cold itself. The FDA has publicly disagreed with this assessment.

Matrixx also faces an investigation from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is accused of unlawful marketing, and of mischaracterizing the recall as "voluntary." Matrixx has disagreed strongly with both allegations, potentially setting the stage for a lengthy dispute.

 

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