In what appears to be an extension of the seemingly continuous food and product recalls, a California-based company is voluntarily recalling its cough syrup for undeclared morphine content, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The makers of Pomona, CA-based Master Herbs, Inc. recalled all lots of their 100ml Licorice Coughing Liquid bottles. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the cough syrup was distributed to Chinese grocery stores in California, Illinois, New Jersey, Hawaii, Nevada, and Ohio. The cough syrup is used to temporarily relieve coughs caused by colds, as well as minor throat and bronchial irritations.

Morphine is a medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. Belonging to the class of drugs known as narcotic (opiate) analgesics, it works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. It was widely used in as a painkiller during the American Civil War, and many soldiers became addicted. In present times, some of the street names for morphine include God's Drug, MS, Morf, Morpho, Dreamer, First Line, Emsel, Unkie and Mister Blue.

However, consumers using the Licorice Coughing Liquid may not be aware that they are ingesting morphine. In effect, the unconscious consumption of morphine may lead to life-threatening respiratory failure and death. In addition, since morphine was not declared on the labels, patients who are hyper-sensitive to it could suffer severe allergic reactions.

The company is in the process of notifying its distributors and customers by phone or fax for the return of all recalled products. Consumers that still have the product are advised to stop using it immediately and to return it to the place of purchase. Retailer and wholesalers are also directed to stop distributing the product, isolate any remaining inventory, and make the necessary arrangements for the return of the product.