Check Your Cabinets: Over 41,000 Walgreens Nasal Sprays Recalled for Contamination

Consumers seeking relief from seasonal congestion are being urged to check their medicine cabinets following a significant product recall. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a voluntary recall of 41,328 bottles of Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol. The recall was initiated over potential contamination with pseudomonas lactis, a bacterium found in raw milk. The affected products are the 1.5-oz bottles from specific lots: Lot No. 71409 (expiring 2/28/2027) and Lot No. 71861 (expiring 8/31/2027), which were sold at Walgreens locations nationwide. A company spokesperson stated the action was taken “out of an abundance of caution” and that customer safety is the top priority.

The recall has been classified by the FDA as a Class II recall, the second-highest risk level. This classification indicates that the use of the contaminated product could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or that the probability of serious adverse health effects is remote. While the exact nature of the potential health risks from this specific bacterium was not detailed, the classification underscores the seriousness of the situation. Authorities have not disclosed how the contamination occurred, but the move prompts caution for a product designed for use in sensitive nasal passages.

Walgreens has instructed consumers who have the affected product to immediately stop using it and return it to any store for a full refund. This recall serves as a critical reminder for the public to remain vigilant about product safety notices, especially for over-the-counter items used for personal care. During cold and flu season, when reliance on such products increases, verifying that your remedies are not subject to a recall is a simple yet essential step for protecting your health.