Corrections and explanations: A previous version of this article included a video that incorrectly identified the recalled nasal spray brands, which has now been removed..
Medical Products Laboratories, a Philadelphia-based medical supplies company, has recalled more than 41,000 Walgreens-brand nasal sprays because they may contain bacteria that could be dangerous to people with weakened immune systems or respiratory problems.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, a product called Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray that contains xylitol may be contaminated with bacteria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41,328 bottles distributed nationwide may contain Pseudomonas lactis, a type of bacteria commonly found in the environment, including soil and water.
The bacteria has also been detected in chicken feces, according to a study published in 2022 on bacterial resistance to antibiotics.
The bacteria, Pseudomonas lactis, can be harmful to people with weakened immune systems or respiratory illnesses, according to southeastern Massachusetts officials and television station KARE 11, which broke the news of the recall. According to television station WTVT, the bacteria may also be harmful to pregnant women.
Dr. Daniel Rose, chief of microbiology at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a Nov. 26 statement to USA TODAY that the Pseudomonas lactis bacteria are some of the species commonly found in the environment. Rose said it was first named less than 10 years ago.
Although there is less research on Pseudomonas lactis, the closely related bacteria are generally not associated with human infections. Rose said the potential health effects of nasal saline sprays contaminating the bacteria remain uncertain.
Dr. Rose cited a 2017 study showing that some Pseudomonas strains can use xylitol, an ingredient in nasal sprays, as a food source.
USA TODAY reached out to the CDC, FDA, and several other medical organizations for more information about the bacteria.
Which Walgreens brand saline sprays are recalled?
The thousands of 45ml bottles recalled include:
- Lot number 71409 (Expiration date: February 28, 2027)
- Lot number 71861 (Expiration date: August 31, 2027)
What to do if a product is recalled
Walgreens said in a statement to USA TODAY on Nov. 26 that the FDA directed its supplier, Philadelphia-based Medical Products Laboratories, to issue a recall “out of an abundance of caution.”
The company said customers who own the product should stop using it and return it to Walgreens for a full refund.
“Customer safety remains our top priority,” the company added.
This recall was classified as Class II by the FDA. According to the agency, a Class II recall is issued when customers who use or are exposed to a product may experience temporary or medically reversible health effects.
According to the FDA website, the recall number is D-0179-2026.
This story has been updated to remove video.
Saleen Martin is a reporter for USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia. – Email sdmartin@usatoday.com.
