Aleve Caplets Recalled Over Distribution Error 2026: Health Canada

Health Canada has posted a Type III recall for Aleve caplets under recall number RA-82781, published on October 15, 2026. The action is limited to the wholesale level and stems from a distribution error: products that customers had returned were inadvertently reintroduced into saleable inventory and then sent on to wholesalers.

The recalling firm is Bayer Inc., based in Mississauga, Ontario. The notice is classified as a health product recall in the drugs category, and it is aimed at the general public, healthcare professionals and industry.

Quick Facts

• Brand: Aleve
• Company: Bayer Inc.
• Market authorization: DIN 02301733
• Lot number: NAAEWF2
• Recall class: Type III
• Depth of recall: Wholesalers
• Recall number: RA-82781

Products Affected by This Recall

The notice lists a single product line: Aleve caplets sold under DIN 02301733, from lot NAAEWF2. The listing headline refers to Aleve 200 mg caplets, while the affected products table in the notice shows a strength of 220 mg. Readers who need to confirm the exact strength should check the product packaging and the official notice.

The notice does not state how many units are involved, and it does not include a UPC or an expiry date. No product image is provided on the page.

What Triggered the Recall

According to Health Canada, customer-returned products were inadvertently reintroduced into saleable inventory and distributed to the wholesale level. In plain terms, product that should have been kept out of circulation after being returned found its way back into the supply chain.

The notice does not describe a defect in the caplets themselves, and it does not report any injuries or adverse reactions. The issue is categorized under ‘Health products – Other’, which points to a handling and distribution problem rather than a specific contamination or manufacturing finding.

Under Health Canada’s classification system, a Type III recall is generally used where use of, or exposure to, a product is not likely to cause adverse health consequences. That is the lowest of the three recall classes, and it is consistent with the limited, wholesale-level scope of this action.

Who Should Be Concerned

Because the recall reaches only the wholesale level, the people most directly affected are wholesalers and distributors that received lot NAAEWF2. The notice does not say that the affected lot reached retail shelves or individual consumers, and it does not name any provinces, territories or retailers.

Even so, anyone who has Aleve caplets at home can check the packaging for the lot number NAAEWF2 and the DIN 02301733 printed on it. If the numbers do not match, the recall does not apply to that package.

Steps Consumers Should Take

Health Canada’s notice sets out the following guidance:

• Verify whether your product is affected by checking the lot number and DIN.
• Consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing use of the affected product, or if you have any health concerns.
• Contact the recalling firm, Bayer Inc., if you have questions about the recall.
• Report any health product side effects to Health Canada.
• Report any other health product safety complaints to Health Canada.

The notice does not describe a refund or return process. The company address listed is Bayer Inc., 2920 Matheson Blvd. E, Mississauga, ON L4W 5R6. Health Canada provides online forms for reporting side effects and safety complaints through its MedEffect Canada and complaint reporting pages.

From the Agency

Health Canada published the recall on October 15, 2026, and lists the same date as the original published date and the last update. The department’s summary describes the issue as returned products inadvertently reintroduced into saleable inventory and distributed to the wholesale level. Its advice to the public is to consult a healthcare provider before discontinuing use of the affected product, or for any health concerns.

Consumers and businesses can follow updates through the Recalls and Safety Alerts website, which offers email notifications for new and updated recall notices. Any change to the scope of this recall, such as additional lots or a wider distribution level, would be posted there.