Home air fresheners are recalled in the USA: because of them 2 people have already died

Walmart is recalling a limited number of flavored room spray bottles because they may contain "rare and hazardous substances that can cause serious injury or death." Writes about it USA Today.

Photo: Shutterstock

On October 22, it announced the recall of 3900 bottles of Better Homes and Gardens “room spray essential oils,” which are available in six different fragrances.

With two deaths reported, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tested a version of the product and "determined that it contains the harmful bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis," the recall notice said.

The spray came in 5-ounce (148 ml) glass bottles and was sold in approximately 55 Walmart stores nationwide and on walmart.com from February 2021 to October 2021 for about $ 4.

Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove said the company will continue to assist the two federal agencies "in their investigation and are committed to providing safe and high quality products to our customers."

“We are deeply concerned that there may be a link between this product and rare bacteria. Our hearts go out to the four families affected,” Hargrove said in a statement. “We took immediate action after federal agencies notified us of problems associated with Flora Classique Inc.'s room scent spray.” and sold under the Better Homes & Gardens brand."

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According to Hargrove, Walmart has seized products that were manufactured in India and were part of a pilot program in 55 stores, and "installed a block in stores and on the Internet to prevent further sales."

The CDC is investigating four cases of melioidosis, including two deaths, including a child. Diseases have been reported in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia.

CDC took samples from the Better Homes and Gardens Lavender & Chamomile spray at the victim's Georgia home.

Melioidosis can cause a wide range of signs and symptoms, from chest pain and cough to brain infections and seizures, according to the CDC.

“Although the source of these four infections has not been confirmed by the CDC, a bottle containing the same type of bacteria was found in the home of another victim,” the recall notice said.

Most cases of melioidosis in the United States occur in people who have traveled to areas where the disease is more common, but these four patients have not had recent international travel, according to the CDC.

The CDC said five other fragrances in this product line are included in the recall, “although it is not yet known if they are contaminated. Investigations are ongoing as to whether other related products and brands may be hazardous. ”

The recalled sprays were sold with a pump spray nozzle that read Better Homes and Gardens Aromatherapy on the label on the front of the glass bottle. The review includes the following fragrances and product numbers:

• Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lavender & Chamomile: 84140411420
• Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lemon and Mandarin: 84140411421
• Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lavender: 84140411422
• Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Peppermint: 84140411423
• Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lime & Eucalyptus: 84140411424
• Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Sandalwood and Vanilla: 84140411425

Recall information

According to the revocation notice, customers who purchased the named products will receive a $ 20 Walmart gift card upon return of the item, along with a full refund.

“In line with CDC guidelines, consumers should immediately stop using the recalled spray, repack the bottle in clear, clear, resealable zip bags, place it in a small cardboard box, and return it to any Walmart store for a full refund. Don't open the bottle. Don't try to throw away the bottle. "

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Walmart said it's important to handle these products properly and return them to Walmart.

Customers with recall questions can call Walmart at 800-925-6278 between 07:00 and 21:00 daily.

What is melioidosis

Melioidosis, also called Whitmore's disease, is an infectious disease that can affect humans or animals. It is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei and is "predominantly found in tropical climates, especially in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia."

The bacteria that cause melioidosis live in polluted water and soil. The disease is transmitted to humans and animals through direct contact with the source of infection.

There are several types of melioidosis infections, each with its own set of signs and symptoms. The CDC said that due to its wide range of signs and symptoms, it "could be mistaken for other illnesses, such as tuberculosis or the more common forms of pneumonia."

Examples of infections and symptoms of melioidosis:

Local infection: local pain or swelling, high fever, ulceration, abscess.

Lung infection: cough, chest pain, high fever, headache.

Infection of the bloodstream: fever, headache, respiratory distress, abdominal discomfort, joint pain, disorientation.

Disseminated infection: fever, weight loss, abdominal or chest pain, muscle or joint pain, headache, central nervous system / brain infection, seizures.

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