FDA Recalls 'Exchange Select' Alcohol Prep Pads, Swabs and Swabsticks

Published Jan. 7, 2011
By 349th Air Mobility Wing
Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The Food and Drug Administration issued a recall specific to all lots of alcohol prep pads, swabs and swabsticks manufactured by Triad Group http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm239219.htm.

Merchandised under the "Exchange Select" label http://www.flickr.com/photos/aafespa/5331608752/sizes/l/in/photostream/ at various Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Exchanges as well as Veteran's Canteens, the products have been recalled due to concerns about "potential contamination of the products with an objectionable organism, namely Bacillus cereus."

The FDA said it issued the recall "out of an abundance of caution" as use of contaminated alcohol prep pads, swabs or swabsticks "could lead to life-threatening infections, especially in at- risk populations, including immune suppressed and surgical patients."

To date, the FDA said it has "received one report of a non-life-threatening skin infection."

All affected product has been removed from shelves. Military shoppers who previously purchased Exchange Select alcohol prep pads, swabs or swabsticks are advised to return recalled product at their nearest Exchange or Canteen for a full refund.