Nasal Gel Recalled due to Possible Burkholderia cepacia Contamination

Cinnaminson, NJ, January 23, 2013

Last month, a voluntary recall was issued by the manufacturer of a popular liquid decongestion relief product after bacteria was found in a sample.  Burkholderia cepacia was reportedly discovered in a single sample during a routine review at the manufacturing plant.  The consumer product was distributed to retailers nationwide.

Burkholderia cepacia is the name for a group of bacteria that can be found in soil and water and survive for extended periods of time in moist environments. Also known as BCC or B. cepacia, the bacteria are often resistant to common antibiotics.
 
Burkholderia cepacia usually poses little medical risk to most healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like a weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections from Burkholderia cepacia.
 
Transmission of Burkholderia cepacia from contaminated medicines and devices has been reported in the past.  “It is a known cause of infections in hospitalized patients,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, a leading consumer products and microbiology testing laboratory.  “The effects of Burkholderia cepacia on people can vary widely.  It can also be spread to susceptible persons by person-to-person contact, contact with contaminated surfaces, and exposure to the bacteria in the environment.” 
 
EMSL provides a complete array of testing solutions from shelf life testing and contamination source tracking to sterility and sanitation validation to help manufacturers prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers. 
 
EMSL has sponsored an educational video about Burkholderia cepacia that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/Vf6f5cC2WK8
 
To learn more about microbial contaminants or other consumer product testing services, please visit www.ConsumerProductsTesting.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The laboratory is FDA registered, ISO 17025 and GMP compliant.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com