More than 41,000 bottles of medicine have just been recalled nationwide due to potential bacterial contamination, the Food and Drug Administration announced.
Two product lots of Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol should be immediately returned, the FDA said.
Lot number 71409, expiring February 28, 2027
Lot number 71861, expiring August 31, 2027
The recall, initiated by manufacturer Medical Products Laboratories Inc. on November 12, affects over 41,000 bottles of the 1.5-ounce spray bottle distributed nationwide at Walgreens stores across the United States.
Testing revealed the nasal spray may be contaminated with Pseudomonas lactis, a bacterium that mostly impacts raw milk products and causes dairy spoilage. The FDA did not specify what caused the contamination of the nasal spray.
The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, the second-highest risk level. A Class II classification indicates that while serious health issues are unlikely, there is still a chance the spray could get vulnerable people sick.
The FDA told consumers to stop using the recalled nasal spray immediately and either throw it away or return the unused portion to the store.
Pseudomonas lactis spoils food by breaking down proteins, especially in dairy. The bacteria are typically not harmful to healthy adults, but can hurt people with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant.
The manufacturer voluntarily recalled the nasal spray after testing identified the contamination.
The recall comes during peak cold and flu season when nasal spray products are increasingly used for congestion and sinus symptoms.