The microbes in the recalled wipes and swabs may cause infection in those with low immunity.
On July 25, 2012 distributor of antiseptics medical products, DUKAL Corporation issued a voluntarily recall of benzalkonium chloride swabs and antiseptic wipes. These cleansing and sterilizing products have been recalled due to a possible risk of infection by the microbe known as Burkholderia cepacia. The microbial contamination is thought to have occurred during the manufacturing process of the antiseptic kits at Jianerkang Medical Dressing Company.
Although antiseptic wipes and swabs can prevent infection and kill germs, these recalled products may do more harm than good and therefore should not be used by anyone. According to DUKAL, the microbes in the recalled antiseptic wipes and benzalkonium chloride swabs are not likely to harm healthy patients, but may endanger those weak immune systems and put them at serious risk of infection. Consumers with recalled benzalkonium chloride swabs or wipes should dispose of or return the products.
Among the recalled products are the following benzalkonium items:
- Item #0204 and #2040: Zee Antiseptic Swab, Med 2 ply packaged 50 per box and 36 boxes/case
- Item # 0271: Zee Antiseptic Swab, Med 2 ply packaged 100 per box packaged 20 boxes/case
- Item # 2633: Zee Antiseptic Swab, Med 2 ply packaged 10 per box, 10boxes/bundle and 6 bundles/case
- Item # 854: Dukal BZK Swab Med. 2 ply NS packaged 1 swab/pouch, 200/box and 20 boxes/case
- Item #854-1000: Dukal BZK Swab Med. 2 ply NS packaged 1 swab/pouch, 1000/box and 4 boxes/case
To view lot numbers that have been recalled visit http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm313912.htm.
If you are unsure of what to do with the products, how to properly return or dispose of the items, call 800-243-0741 or email productsupport@dukal.com. No adverse reactions have been reported to DUKAL nor the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; however, any serious side effects caused by accidental use of the affected products should be reported to the FDA MedWatch Program immediately. Reports may be filed by:
- completing a form at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm and mailing the FDA at the location noted on the site
- visiting http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm and submitting your case information online
- faxing your details to 1-800-FDA-0178
Check bad-drug.net for more recall details and drug safety information.