Thousands of bottles of nasal spray distributed by Walgreens are being recalled over concern they may be contaminated with bacteria.
The voluntary recall involves Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol and covers more than 41,000 of the 1.5-ounce bottles sold nationwide.
Consumers should look for these lot numbers:
Lot No. 71409, expires: Feb. 28, 2027Lot No. 71861, expires: Aug. 31, 2027
The reason for the recall is “microbial contamination of a non-sterile product,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration noted in its recall notice, which was first published in mid-November.
The microorganism in this case is the bacterium pseudomonas lactis.
The recalling firm is Medical Products Laboratories, a company based in Philadelphia.
“Under the guidance of the FDA, our supplier has initiated a voluntary recall of Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray With Xylitol,” a Walgreens spokesperson tells TODAY.com in a statement.
“This was done out of an abundance of caution and the safety of our customers remains our top priority. Consumers with affected product should not use it and return it to a store for a full refund.”
The FDA classifies this as a Class II recall, which means using the affected product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, but where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is “remote.”
Nasal spray is often used to relieve congestion during cold and flu season, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes.