P&G recalls tainted Vicks Sinex nasal spray

Procter & Gamble is recalling three lots—120,000 bottles—of its Vicks Sinex nasal spray in the U.S., Germany and the United Kingdom. P&G said it is taking this step after finding the bacteria B. cepacia in a small amount of the spray made at its plant in Gross Gerau, Germany.  There have been no reports of illness.

Readers may remember that Tylenol recalled 21 types of infants' and children's liquid Tylenol in September because it may have been contaminated with the same bacteria. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia."

P&G is removing the Vicks Sinex from store shelves and has informed regulatory authorities in the affected countries.  The company said it found the bacteria B. cepacia in a small amount of product from U.S. lot 9239028831 and is conducting testing from lots sold in the U.K. (9224028832) and Germany (9224028833) that were produced from the same batch of raw material mixture. The lot number is listed on both the outer carton and the bottle. (Fun fact: In Germany the mist is called Wick Sinex Schnupfenspray Dosiersystem.)

Consumers should discard any affected spray and can call P&G for a replacement coupon or refund. The contact number in the U.S. is  877-876-7881.