The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has received warnings of possible bacterial contamination in batches of the saline nasal spray Sterimar Isotonic 100ml. The spray is sold online and at high street retailers and is commonly used to cleanse the nasal passage.
As part of its regulatory requirement the manufacturer has informed the MHRA of a bacterial infection in two batches of the spray. The two bacteria identified are commonly found in soil, water and hospital environments and human infections are rare. The bacteria shouldn’t affect healthy people. However, those who suffer from existing sinus or nasal problems or who have recently undergone surgery may be at risk. The possible symptoms exhibited can be nasal or facial tenderness, discoloured mucous or a fever.
Consumers have been told that if they have any of the affected batches they should immediately stop using the product and return it to the retailer. If any persons exhibit any of the symptoms listed above they should also consult a healthcare professional. Speaking today about the latest product recall Liam Moloney, Healthcare Solicitor said “the two types of bacteria found in some of the affected batches are Pseudomonas stutzeri and Sphingomonas paucimobilis. It has an extremely limited role as an infectious agent and human infections are rare. Most infections are associated with immunocompromised people. Infections can be treated by using antibiotics”.
