P&G recalls Vicks nasal spray

By Eileen McGaurin

Procter & Gamble announced today a voluntary recall of three lots of Vicks Sinex nasal spray in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom, after finding bacteria in the spray.

The company said they are issuing the recall after finding the bacteria B. cepacia in the product made at the Gross Gerau, Germany plant.

There have been no reports of illness, stated the company, but the bacteria could cause serious infection in people with compromised immune systems. Also, those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, could be adversely affected.

The product recalled in the U.S. is called Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-Hour decongestant Ultra-Fine Mist with lot number 9239028831. The lot number is written on the outer carton and the bottle.

P&G is removing the product from store shelves and has informed authorities in affected countries.  The company said it found a small amount of bacteria B. cepacia in the U.S. lot and is conducting testing on U.K. and German lots which were produced from the same batch of raw material.

Anyone with these specific lots can call P&G for a replacement or refund at 1-877-876-7881 from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET., Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET.

Any adverse events should be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Program at www.fda.gov/medwatch.