The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that more than 3 million bottles of eye drops are being voluntarily recalled due to concerns about “failure to ensure sterile conditions”.
These eye drop bottles are available at major retail chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Kroger and many other stores across the US, according to ABC News April 4. The recalled product is manufactured by KC Pharmaceuticals Inc. Headquartered in Pomona, California, and marketed under many popular brands such as Best Choice, CVS, Discount Drug Mart, Gericare, Kroger or Walgreens.
The recall order was implemented on March 3, but on March 31, the FDA officially classified the case into Group II. According to the FDA definition, this is a group of products that, if used, users may experience temporary or curable health problems and the possibility of life-threatening complications is very low.
A total of more than 3.1 million vials of 8 different product lines are affected, including eye drops to reduce redness, lubricants to reduce dry eyes, soothing formulas and artificial tears with a capacity of 15 ml each. The complete list including brand name, lot number, bar code (UPC) and expiration date is posted in detail on the FDA’s official website.
Illustration photo: Mputsylo – stock
CVS has announced a recall of many product lines on its website, including GeriCare artificial tears and CVS-branded eye drops to reduce redness and treat dry eyes (both in two-bottle packaging). The reason given is that the above products have a risk of microbial contamination.
In the statement sent ABC News On April 3, a spokesperson for CVS said the four product lines above “discontinued nearly a year ago,” and the company is “coordinating closely” with the manufacturer to implement the recall.
“We commit that the products we provide are safe, function properly, comply with health regulations and meet customer needs,” the representative affirmed.
CVS also said customers who purchased the product can return it to any CVS pharmacy for a refund.