Understanding the 2022 Airborne Gummies Recall
In March 2022, Reckitt, the parent company of Airborne, issued a voluntary recall for approximately 3.74 million units of Airborne gummies [1.3.2, 1.6.5]. The recall was not due to the contents of the gummies themselves but because of a packaging defect. Pressure buildup within unopened bottles could cause the cap and underlying seal to pop off with force, creating an injury hazard [1.2.1]. The company received 70 reports of this issue, which included 18 reports of minor injuries and one eye injury that required medical attention [1.2.1, 1.3.1].
The recall specifically involved 63-count and 75-count bottles of Airborne Gummies in Assorted Fruit, Orange, and Blueberry Pomegranate flavors sold between May 2020 and February 2022 [1.2.1, 1.4.4]. Major retailers like Target, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Costco sold the affected products [1.2.2]. Consumers who had unopened bottles from the specific lots were instructed not to open them and to contact Reckitt for a full refund [1.3.1]. Bottles that had already been opened were not part of the recall, as the pressure would have already been released, posing no further risk [1.3.2].
Airborne's History with Legal and Regulatory Actions
Beyond the 2022 packaging recall, the Airborne brand has faced scrutiny over its marketing claims. In 2008, the company settled a major class-action lawsuit for $23.3 million regarding false advertising [1.8.1, 1.8.4]. The lawsuit, joined by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), challenged Airborne's claims that it could prevent or cure the common cold [1.8.1, 1.8.3].
Following this, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also charged the makers of Airborne with deceptive advertising [1.9.1]. This resulted in an additional settlement and an agreement that the company would not make claims about preventing or treating colds without reliable scientific evidence [1.8.2, 1.9.2]. As a result, Airborne's marketing shifted from claiming to be a "cold buster" to a supplement that "helps support your immune system" [1.11.1].
How Dietary Supplements are Regulated
It's important for consumers to understand that dietary supplements like Airborne are regulated differently than over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness before they are marketed [1.11.2]. The responsibility for ensuring safety and substantiating claims falls on the manufacturers.
This regulatory framework means that supplements can be sold without the rigorous clinical trials required for pharmaceuticals. The FDA typically gets involved after a product is on the market and reports of adverse events surface [1.11.2].
Comparison: Dietary Supplements vs. OTC Drugs
| Feature | Dietary Supplements (e.g., Airborne) | Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Regulation | Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) | FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) |
| Pre-Market Approval | Not required by FDA. Manufacturer is responsible for safety [1.11.2]. | Required. Must prove safety and effectiveness for intended use. |
| Claims | Can make "structure/function" claims (e.g., "supports immune health"). Must have a disclaimer that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease" [1.11.1]. | Can make specific health claims (e.g., "relieves headache"). |
| Evidence Standard | Manufacturer must have evidence that their claims are truthful and not misleading. | Must be supported by extensive scientific data and clinical trials. |
How to Stay Informed About Product Recalls
Consumers can proactively check for information on product safety and recalls through several official channels. This is the most reliable way to get accurate, up-to-date information.
- Recalls.gov: This is a centralized federal government website that provides information on recalls from various agencies, including the FDA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) [1.10.1].
- CPSC Website: The CPSC is the agency that worked with Reckitt on the 2022 Airborne gummy recall [1.2.1]. It is the primary resource for recalls related to consumer products that pose an injury risk.
- FDA Website: The FDA handles recalls for most food items (excluding meat and poultry), prescription drugs, and other medical products [1.10.3].
- Manufacturer Announcements: Companies often post recall information directly on their websites, as Reckitt and its subsidiary Schiff Vitamins did [1.4.1].
General Safety with Immune Support Supplements
While many people turn to supplements to support their health, it's essential to do so safely. Over-consuming certain vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and Zinc, can lead to adverse effects like stomach upset or even nerve damage [1.11.1]. Furthermore, some supplements marketed to "boost" the immune system can be problematic for individuals with autoimmune conditions [1.11.3]. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs and won't interact with other medications you are taking [1.11.3].
Conclusion
As of September 2025, there is no active recall for Airborne gummies. The most significant recent event was the voluntary recall in March 2022, which concerned a physical injury hazard from packaging pressure, not the quality or safety of the gummies themselves [1.2.1, 1.5.1]. The brand also has a history of legal settlements related to unsubstantiated health claims from over a decade ago [1.8.1, 1.9.1]. Consumers should remain vigilant, use official resources like Recalls.gov to check for safety alerts, and consult healthcare professionals about supplement use.
For more official information, you can visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
