Walmart pulls important oil spray; two deaths investigated

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Walmart is recalling about 3,900 bottles of essential oil infused spray because of a rare and dangerous bacterium that has been discovered, officials said. Two deaths are being investigated.

Six Gemstone Aromatherapy Essential Oil Fragrances from Better Homes and Gardens are affected by this recall.

Dangerous bacteria

Officials said tests by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that a bottle of the spray contained the rare and dangerous bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which experts say causes melioidosis.

Melioidosis is a difficult condition to diagnose and can be fatal, authorities said.

CDC officials are investigating a cluster of four confirmed cases of melioidosis in the US, including two deaths. The source of these infections has not been confirmed, but the bottle with the same type of bacteria was found in the home of one of the deceased, according to the CDC.

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The four cases of melioidosis were reported in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas and Georgia, officials said. One of the dead was a child, it was said.

Product details

Walmart recalled around 3,900 bottles of the Indian-made product on Friday (October 22). Here are the six specific fragrances and product numbers that are being recalled:

  • 84140411420 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lavender & Chamomile

  • 84140411421 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lemon and Tangerine

  • 84140411422 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lavender

  • 84140411423 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Peppermint

  • 84140411424 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lime & Eucalyptus

  • 84140411425 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Sandalwood and Vanilla

The spray was sold online from February to October this year and in around 55 Walmart stores across the country, authorities said. The cost of a bottle was about $ 4.

“Better Homes and Gardens Aromatherapy” is written on the label on the front of the 5-ounce glass bottle. The aromatherapy was sold with a pump spray nozzle.

What should I do

Anyone who has purchased any of the affected products should follow these steps:

  • Stop using it right away. Do not open the bottle. Do not try to throw away or dispose of the bottle.

  • Double-wrap the bottle in clean, clear, resealable zippered bags and place in a small cardboard box. Return the wrapped and packaged product to a Walmart store.

  • Wash any sheets or bedding that the product may have been sprayed on with regular laundry detergent and dry them completely in a hot dryer. Bleach can be used if desired.

  • Wipe down counters and surfaces that may have been exposed to the spray with an undiluted disinfectant cleaner.

  • Minimize handling of the product and wash your hands thoroughly after handling the bottle or bedding. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.

  • If you’ve used the product within the last 21 days and have a fever or other symptoms, seek medical advice and tell your doctor about the product exposure. Your doctor may recommend that you take antibiotics (post-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent infection.

Customers will also receive a $ 20 Walmart gift card upon return, the company said.

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