- Nearly 750,000 eye-care products are under recall over concerns about sterility.
- Almost 2,700 cases of hand soap were recalled over possible bacterial contamination.
- More than 179,000 children's finger-light toys were recalled over battery ingestion risks.
Consumers in the US are being urged to check products in their homes after a series of recalls affecting eye-care products, hand soap and children's toys.
The recalls involve different manufacturers and risks, ranging from concerns that eye-care products may not be sterile to possible bacterial contamination in hand soap and dangerous batteries in children's toys.
Here is what consumers need to know.
Walgreens eye drops among recalled products
Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC recalled 747,844 units across nine eye-care products because of a lack of assurance that the products are sterile. The recall was initiated on August 20 and was classified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Class II on September 21.
The products include lubricant eye drops, a 5 per cent hypertonicity ophthalmic solution and a nighttime eye ointment. Walgreens-branded lubricant eye drops account for more than 500,000 units of the recall, including 301,114 single bottles and 199,600 twin packs. Other affected brands include AvKare, Reliable-1 Laboratories, Cameron Pharmaceuticals, TRP The Relief Products and Major.
A Class II recall means exposure may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the likelihood of serious health consequences is considered remote.
Consumers should not assume that every product sold under an affected brand is recalled. They should check the exact product name, lot number and expiry date against the FDA's recall information.
The FDA advises people to stop using affected eye drops and speak to a healthcare professional. Eye-care products are subject to particularly strict sterility requirements because they are applied directly to the eye.
Hand soap and children's products also recalled
Another recall covers 2,696 cases of six hand-soap products made by Intercon Chemical Co. The products were distributed to 20 consignees across 15 states and were recalled because of possible bacterial contamination. The FDA classified the recall as Class II on September 11.
The affected products include Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap with Aloe, Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap with Aloe, Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap, Vestis Foaming Hand Soap and two Laura Lynn products. Some of the soaps may contain bacteria including Pseudomonas and Serratia species.
The products were distributed across states including California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Consumers should check the relevant product and lot information before using affected soap.
Children's products have also been caught up in recent US recalls.
Cade California Electronic recalled about 179,739 finger-light toys in September because the products contain button-cell batteries that can be accessed by children. If swallowed, button or coin batteries can cause serious internal chemical burns and potentially death. The CPSC said consumers should immediately stop using the recalled toys, keep them away from children and seek a refund.
Another September recall involved about 22,660 Baby Sesame Street Elmo Silicone Teethers from Skip Hop. The black eyes on the teether can detach if the product is frozen, creating a choking hazard. The CPSC advised consumers to stop using the recalled teethers and seek a refund.
The recalls highlight why consumers should check the product name and identifying details rather than relying only on a brand name. A recall may apply to specific lots, models or production dates rather than an entire product range.
Consumers can search the FDA's drug recall information and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database for the latest notices and instructions.
