Burkholderia cepacia causes recall
Now here is an interesting microorganism to cause a public recall, Burkholderia cepacia. Burkholderia (previously known as Pseudomonas) cepacia, a nutritionally versatile, gram-negative organism, was first described in 1949 by Walter Burkholder of Cornell University, as the phytopathogen responsible for a bacterial rot of onions. Interestingly, Burkholderia cepacia is now being considered by agricultural microbiologists as an agent to promote crop growth.
The microorganism is inherently resistant to multiple antibiotics, can metabolize diverse substrates, and is found in soil and in moist environments. The organism has a particular predilection for the lung in patients with cystic fibrosis and has emerged as an important opportunistic human pathogen in hospitalized and immunocompromised patients.
Unfortunately, this microorganism was found in certain batches of Comfort Shield Perineal Care Washcloths from Sage Products. The product was distributed to hospitals, medical centers and long-term care facilities in the U.S. and Canada, however there were no known distribution to retail stores.
As a result, Sage Products initiated a recall after receiving and investigating a Canadian complaint on lot 1457 of an off odor. At the present time, Sage Products Inc has received no reports of patient injury. This voluntary recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.
For more information on the press release click here
