Walgreens Recalls Saline Nasal Spray Over Bacteria Contamination Concerns

A recall has been issued for Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with xylitol, due to concerns about bacterial contamination, according to a notice from the FDA. The recall includes over 41,000 bottles of the 1.5 oz (45mL) product, which was distributed nationwide.

The product can potentially be contaminated with pseudomonas lactis, though the FDA doesn’t explain how the nasal spray may have come into contact with the bacterium.

The two lots of nasal spray that were recalled expire in February and August of 2027 and have the following lot numbers:

• Lot#: 71409, Expires: 02/28/2027
• Lot#: 71861, Expires: 08/31/2027

The recall has not been listed on the Walgreens page of recalls, and it’s unclear why. The recalls page emphasizes that it’s not a comprehensive list of recalls at Walgreens stores but “specifically identifies Walgreens and Walgreens Boots Alliance owned brand OTC (over-the-counter) drug and general merchandise products sold in Walgreens stores.†The saline nasal spray being recalled is a Walgreens-brand over-the-counter product.

The product recall was initiated on Nov. 11, according to an obscure notice on the FDA website, and the recall was given a Class II identification on Nov. 21, meaning that the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.â€

The recall is just getting attention now because a press release was not issued for some unknown reason. Walgreens didn’t respond to questions emailed on Tuesday about why a press release wasn’t issued and why the recall is not listed on its page of recalls.

The recalling firm has been identified as Medical Products Laboratories, Inc. of Philadelphia.