A room spray recently recalled by Walmart was found to contain a “rare and dangerous” bacteria, according to Federal Health Officials. The deadly bacteria known as Burkholderia Pseudomallei infected four people and caused the death of two, including a child. After tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it was determined that “Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones” contains the dangerous bacteria, which causes a fatal condition called melioidosis; a condition they say is difficult to diagnose. The Walmart recall came two months after the CDC warned of the fatal consequences of using the spray.
“When you think about the thousands of things people come in contact with around their homes, it’s remarkable that we were able to identify the source and confirm it in the lab. CDC scientists and our partners found the proverbial needle in the haystack.” Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC’s division of high-consequence pathogens and pathology, said in a statement published by CBS News.
In a notice issued by the CDC, it states the recall date as October 22, 2021, of 3,900 bottles of the room spray. Consumers are strongly encouraged to return the product to Walmart for a refund immediately and are not to use or open the contaminated spray. The company is also offering gift cards to customers who return the product, which was sold in 55 stores and online from February through October.
Additionally, the CDC warns consumers not to dispose of the products themselves. Pouring the room spray down the drain or placing it in the garbage could cause the bacteria to spread. The CDC warns, “If the spray bottles end up in landfills, the bacteria could become established and cause future melioidosis cases in the U.S.” The CDC is working with Walmart to safely dispose of the room spray.
The following product numbers are part of the recall:
- 84140411420 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lavender & Chamomile
- 84140411421 Better Homes and Gardens (BHG) Gem Room Spray Lemon and Mandarin
- 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
More information may be found on the company’s website by clicking “Product Refunds” at www.walmart.com, near the bottom of the page.
Call a Defective Product Lawyer
When an individual buys a product from a store as trusted as Walmart, there is an expectation that what they purchased will be safe to use for its intended purpose. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Every day, consumers in Miami are harmed by products they expected to be safe. The results could be devastating or as in this case, fatal. When the worst happens it’s important for an individual to have an experienced defective product lawyer on their side.
In Florida, the statute of limitations on product liability is four years. Therefore, calling a lawyer as soon as possible will ensure an individual gets the outcome they are due. For over thirty years, the attorneys of Panter, Panter, and Sampedro have worked one-on-one with clients to get them the justice, recovery, and compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured by a defective product, call (305) 662-6178 for a free case review today.
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cdc-deadly-bacteria-room-spray-walmart-recall/
https://www.cdc.gov/melioidosis/index.html
