A microbial contamination has forced the recall of a wide variety of store-brand laxatives sold across the country. Retailers from grocery stores to pharmacies were forced to pull variations of magnesium-citrate-based saline laxatives after testing found them to be contaminated with Gluconacetobacter liqufaciens. The manufacturer of the medication warns that “immunocompromised patients who consume this product may be at increased risk for invasive infections caused by Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens that could lead to serious, life-threatening adverse health consequences.” Vi-Jon, the drug’s manufacturer, also noted that that it is aware of three “adverse reactions” to the medication so far.
The drug is widely available on store shelves across the country and is sold by a variety of names. Care One – the store brand of Food Lion, Giant, Stop & Shop, and Hannaford – has been recalled, as has CVS’s house brand. Walmart’s store brand Equate, Family Dollar’s Family Wellness brand, Harris Teeter, Kroger, Publix, Meijer, and the military exchange’s Exchange Select were also affected, among others.
Consumers who have purchased the product have been advised to stop using it and return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Those who have experienced an adverse reaction to the medication are asked to inform their medical care provider as well as the FDA by using its MedWatch Adverse Event webpage.
Contamination concerns have forced a near-countless number of recalls in recent years. From blood pressure and diabetes medications to sunscreen, manufacturing issues have led to the recalls of a wide variety of products people use on a daily basis to keep themselves safe and healthy. Most recently, the recall of infant formula produced by Sturgis, Michigan-based Abbott Laboratories was so extensive it had parents across the country concerned for where their baby’s next meal might come from. Nearly 30% of infant formula inventory was found to be out of stock at the peak of the recall.
