Batches of cough medicine have been recalled by their manufacturer after “foreign material” was found in some bottles, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has said.

In its alert published today, the medicines regulator said the “contamination was identified by a single customer complaint” and insisted an investigation “and analysis” are ongoing.

The product’s manufacturer Bells Healthcare advised pharmacists and other healthcare professionals and retailers to stop supplying the listed batches immediately.

Bells Healthcare also urged them to quarantine all remaining stock and return it to their supplier using their supplier’s “approved process.”

The affected batches are; Tesco Health Dry Cough Relief 200ml (235B1, 240C3, 242C1, 245C3), Asda Strong Dry Tickly Cough 200ml (236B1, 240C2, 243C1, 245C2, 246C1, 247D1, 248D1, 250D1), Almus Dry Cough Relief (249D1) and Bells Dual Action Dry Cough (237C1, 238C1, 239C1, 242C2, 243C2).

“No action is required by patients as this is a pharmacy, retailer and wholesaler level recall,” the MHRA said.

“Patients should be vigilant for any visible contamination and contact a healthcare professional if they have any concerns related to the product.”