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Proctor & Gamble has recalled approximately 120,000 bottles of Vicks Sinex nasal spray after the company discovered bacteria in some test samples of the product. The specific bacteria, B. cepacia, can be harmful to individuals with chronic lung problems or weakened immune systems.

Three lots of the nasal spray were sent to the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Thus far, bacteria was only discovered in the batch sent to U.S. stores, however the company is also testing samples from the German and U.K. batches since the spray was produced from the same raw material mixture as the U.S. batch.

Company spokesman Tom Millikin described the recall as voluntary and also reported that no illnesses have been reported in relation to the bacteria in the nasal spray. However, P & G states that consumers should not use the spray and should call the company for a replacement coupon. The company has also notified The Centers for Disease Control.

One Comment

  1. Gravatar for Dr Kadiyali M Srivatsa
    Dr Kadiyali M Srivatsa

    I thank Proctor Gamble for taking this bold step and withdrawing their product.

    The contaminant found at the German plant is Burkholderia cepacia, a group of bacteria found in soil and water. These bacteria can be resistant to commonly used antibiotics. These bacteria are said to poses little risk to healthy people but I cannot accept this hypothesis.

    We know non-resistant bacteria present in our nose will pick up debries, genes and plasmid of dead resistant bacteria and so will become resistant strains. and spread. Carriers of this bacteria in their nose are a threat to other healthy people and immunosupressed people. B. cepacia also causes respiratory infections in hospitalized patients resulting septicemia and death.

    We also know ethanol (alcohol) is contaminated because manufacturers used higher concentration of antibiotic in fermentation process to increase alcohol production. I hope these brewers will come out and tell us what they know because various products we use in healthcare and hand wash has alcohol.

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