Vicks recalls nasal sprays amid health fears

Tom Morgan,Press Association
Friday 20 November 2009 06:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Thousands of Vicks nasal sprays in Britain were being recalled amid fears they could contain a dangerous bacteria.

Routine testing in Germany showed the spray could contain the bacteria B. cepacia, which can cause serious infections in people with a weak immune system or with lung conditions.

There were no reports of anyone falling ill from the sprays, Procter & Gamble, the firm's parent company said.

A statement on Vicks' website said last night: "The Procter & Gamble Company announced it is voluntarily recalling three lots of its Vicks Sinex nasal spray in three countries: the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

"The company said it is taking this precautionary step after finding the bacteria B. cepacia in a small amount of product made at its plant in Gross Gerau, Germany.

"There have been no reports of illness. However, the bacteria could cause serious infections for individuals with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis."

In total 120,000 of the sprays are being recalled in the US, Germany and Britain, according to reports.

The company statement added: "P&G detected this problem during routine quality control at the plant and promptly took action.

"The company analysis to date shows this problem is limited to a single batch of raw material mixture involving three lots of product. These three lots were sold only in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom."

All the potentially infected sprays are being pulled from retailers' shelves and consumers are being urged to call a helpline if they are worried they own one of the affected products.

The recall, in the UK, applies to Vicks Sinex Micromist Aqueous Nasal Spray Solution, 15ml.

* Consumers can call 0800 555 515 if they are concerned and will receive a full refund if they have one of the affected sprays.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in