Walmart recalls room spray after CDC detects deadly bacteria
A room spray from Walmart has been recalled due to the possible presence of a dangerous bacteria that could cause serious injury or death.
Around 3,900 bottles of Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones were sold in 55 Walmart stores nationwide between February 2021 and October 2021.
The CDC says the bacteria found in the room sprays, Burkholderia pseudomallei, is known to cause melioidosis, a disease that can lead to serious injury or even death.
Out of four reported infections across Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia, two cases were fatal, including one child.
“Better Homes and Gardens Aromatherapy,” is printed on the label on the front of the 5-ounce glass bottle. The aromatherapy was sold with a pump spray nozzle in the following scents:
Better Homes and Gardens Gem Room Spray Lavender & Chamomile
Better Homes and Gardens Gem Room Spray Lemon and Mandarin
Better Homes and Gardens Gem Room Spray Lavender
Better Homes and Gardens Gem Room Spray Peppermint
Better Homes and Gardens Gem Room Spray Lime & Eucalyptus
Better Homes and Gardens Gem Room Spray Sandalwood and Vanilla
The CDC urges anyone who might own one of the affected products to follow this protocol:
- Stop using this product immediately. Do not open the bottle. Do not attempt to throw away or dispose of the bottle.
- Double bag the bottle in clean, clear zip-top resealable bags and place in a small cardboard box. Return the bagged and boxed product to a Walmart store.
- Wash sheets or linens that the product may have been sprayed on using normal laundry detergent and dry completely in a hot dryer, bleach can be used if desired.
- Wipe down counters and surfaces that might have been exposed to the spray with an undiluted disinfectant cleaner.
- Minimize handling of the product and wash hands thoroughly after handling the bottle or linens. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.
Customers who return one of the affected bottles to a Walmart store will receive a $20 Walmart Gift Card.
