More than 40,000 nasal spray bottles recalled nationwide due to bacterial contamination

More than 40,000 bottles of Walgreens nasal spray have been recalled nationwide due to bacterial contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On November 21, the FDA assigned the recall the second highest risk level, Class II, meaning the possibility of serious health consequences is “low” but there is a risk of temporary or reversible effects.

The recall was initiated on November 11 and involves 41,328 bottles of nasal spray produced by Medical Products Laboratories, Inc. You can identify the product by the following:

• Product Name: Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol
• Size: 1.5 ounce (45 ml) bottle
• Lot codes: 71409, expires 02/28/2027; and 71861, expires 08/31/2027

The manufacturer voluntarily recalled the nasal spray due to “microbial contamination,” the FDA said. Tests revealed Pseudomonas lactis a bacteria commonly associated with raw milk products.

The FDA has not provided specific instructions for this recall. Nonetheless, as a Class II recall, the safest option is to stop using the nasal spray and throw it away or return it.