More than 3.1 million bottles of eyedrops have been recalled by their manufacturer, K.C. Pharmaceuticals. These bottles have been distributed nationwide by popular companies like Kroger, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS.
According to CBS News, “The products were sold under a number of brand names, including Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops and Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops.” There were eight brands overall, which contain different labels and sizes.
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, which means the products can cause "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."
Health officials are warning consumers to stop using these products immediately. To check whether anything you have purchased has been impacted by the recall, the FDA has a website listing all of the products, the quantity of bottles, and the exact reason for the recall.
The recalled items are listed under the names: Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops, Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula, Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant, Eye Drops Advanced Relief, Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops, Sterile Eye Drops AC, and Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears.
According to their website, K.C. Pharmaceuticals “is the largest private label eye care supplier for eye care and lens care products in North America.” They manage distributions to “over 200 distribution centers servicing 90K plus stores throughout the USA” and “service 26 out of 30 top US largest retailers.”
This was not the first eye product recalled lately. In January, one company recalled their products for containing the “presence of glass-like particles.” In 2023, another eye drop recall occurred because the products were potentially contaminated with fungus that could cause vision damage. Those drops were sold by companies like CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart.
