CDC confirms deadly bacteria in home spray recalled by Walmart (2024)

MoneyWatch

By Kate Gibson

/ MoneyWatch

Federal health officials have confirmed that a room spray recently recalled by Walmart contained a "rare and dangerous" bacteria that infected four people, killing two, including a child.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday said it had confirmed the DNA fingerprint of the bacteria in the spray and four people stricken with melioidosis was the same.

"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," Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's division of high-consequence pathogens and pathology, said in a statement. "CDC scientists and our partners found the proverbial needle in the haystack."

The agency's announcement came days after Walmart issued its nationwide recall.

The retailer sold about 3,900 bottles of Better Homes and Gardens-branded-Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones in six different scents, according to a recall notice posted Friday by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The CDC tested a sample of the product last week and found it contained the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes melioidosis, a rare but serious disease with about a dozen cases reportedly annually in the U.S. "Since Friday, CDC testing of an additional bottle of the spray has tested positive for the bacteria," the agency said in its Tuesday statement.

Walmart's recall came two months after the CDC warned the bacterial disease had caused two deaths and urged doctors to be on the lookout for more cases.

Consumers are urged not to use — or even open — the recalled spray. Instead, they are advised to wear gloves and double bag the bottles in zip-top clear resealable bags, which should be placed in a small cardboard box and returned to a Walmart store for a refund. The company is also offering a $20 Walmart gift card for customers who return the product.

The CDC emphasized the importance of safely handling the recalled sprays, urging consumers against pouring the contents down drains or throwing the bottles in the trash. "The bacteria that cause melioidosis does not normally live in soil and water in the United States. If the spray bottles end up in landfills, the bacteria could become established and cause future melioidosis cases in the U.S. CDC is working with Walmart to ensure the returned bottles are disposed of properly and safely," according to the agency.

Any surfaces or fabrics that may have been sprayed with the product would be wiped down or washed. The five-ounce glass bottles of room spray retailed for about $4 each, and were sold in in about 55 stores and online from February through October.

CDC confirms deadly bacteria in home spray recalled by Walmart (2)

Walmart has stopped selling the product, which was made in India and sold with a pump spray nozzle in the following scents and product numbers:

  • 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

Most cases of melioidosis occur in people who live in or have traveled to areas where the bacteria naturally occurs, such as parts of Asia and Australia, as well as occasionally in Brazil, Mexico and Puerto Rico. It causes a wide range of symptoms that can be confused with other common illnesses, like flu or a cold, according to the CDC.

The bacteria detected in the bottles is the same type that sickened four people earlier this year, with one of the recalled sprays found October 6 in the home of a Georgia resident stricken with melioidosis in late July, according to the agency. The CDC is conducting tests to determine if the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria in the bottle matches those found in three other patients, the agency said Friday in a statement.

"Our hearts go out to the families that have been impacted by this situation," Dr. Inger Damon, director of CDC's division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, which manages melioidosis, said in a statement. "Our scientists have continued to work tirelessly to try to find the potential source for the melioidosis infections in these patients. We hope this work can help protect other people who may have used this spray."

Walmart issued a separate statement late Friday.

"We are deeply concerned that there may be a connection between this product and this rare bacteria. Our sympathies and concerns are with the four families that have been impacted. We took immediate action after federal agencies alerted us Wednesday of concerns with an aromatherapy room spray manufactured by Flora Classique Inc. and sold under the Better Homes & Gardens brand. We pulled the product from the shelves of about 55 stores where it was part of a pilot program and put a register block in place at our stores and online to prevent any further sales."

The company also reiterated the importance of handling the products safely and returning to Walmart.

Based in Wildomar, California, Flora Classique is affiliated with Ramesh Flowers Pvt. in Tuticorin, India, one of that nation's largest manufacturers and exporters of home fragrance and decor products, according to information on Flora Classique's website. Flora Classique mostly distributes its products at mass retailers and discount stores throughout the U.S., operating warehouses in Wildomar and Memphis, Tennessee.

The company is a part of the Gala Group, a German manufacturer of candles, home scents and home decor that employs about 5,000 and operates production sites in Europe, North America and India.

The U.S. Department of Defense in Juneawardeda $3 million contract to the University of Hawaii at Manoa's School of Life Sciences to develop a vaccine for melioidosis, which experts say can be a potential bioterrorism threat.

    In:
  • Product Recall
  • Walmart

Kate Gibson

Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York, where she covers business and consumer finance.

CDC confirms deadly bacteria in home spray recalled by Walmart (2024)

FAQs

CDC confirms deadly bacteria in home spray recalled by Walmart? ›

Washington, D.C. – Walmart is recalling about 3,900 bottles of Better Homes and Gardens-branded- Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones in six different scents due to the presence in two bottles of a rare and dangerous bacteria and risk of serious injury and death.

What is the deadly infection linked to contaminated room spray? ›

In October 2021, investigators with the CDC discovered the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei in the lavender and chamomile scent of Better Homes & Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray With Gemstones, which had been imported from India and sold at 55 Walmart stores.

What room spray is being recalled? ›

What Happened with Better Homes & Gardens Room Spray? In October of 2021, a recall was issued on six different scents of “Better Homes & Gardens Lavender & Chamomile Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones'' sold by Walmart which were later discovered to contain a deadly bacteria.

What bacteria is in better homes and gardens spray? ›

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. Infection usually occurs when contaminated dust or water droplets are inhaled or ingested.

What are the ingredients in better homes and gardens room spray? ›

Ingredients: Water, Fragrance (essential oils), Preservatives, Polyethylene Glycol Octyl Ether.

Can room spray make you sick? ›

While most people can tolerate occasional exposure to air fresheners and deodorizers at low concentrations, people with allergies or asthma may get irritated eyes and throat, headaches, or even an asthma attack.

Is it safe to use room spray? ›

Air fresheners can impact indoor air quality by adding potentially hazardous pollutants to the air. The use of air fresheners is associated with elevated levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylenes, in indoor air.

What air freshener was recalled by Walmart? ›

22 voluntarily recalled about 3,900 bottles of Better Homes & Gardens-branded- Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones in six different scents due to the possible presence of a rare and dangerous bacteria.

Is Bath and Body room spray safe? ›

Inhalation Spray/mists may cause respiratory tract irritation. Ingestion Due to the physical nature of this product, it is unlikely that ingestion will occur. Skin contact Repeated exposure may cause skin dryness or cracking. Eye contact May be slightly irritating to eyes.

Is there a recall on Air Wick Air Freshener? ›

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Reckitt is voluntarily recalling 8 oz aerosol cans of AirWick Fresh New Day® aerosol air fresheners in Fresh Waters and Fresh Linen scents in batch code B22077-NJ2 only, which were distributed and sold by retailers in the US and Caribbean between ...

How do I keep my house bacteria free? ›

Banish Bedroom Germs
  1. Wash all bed linens at least once a week in hot water -- more often if someone is sick.
  2. Wash soiled items -- like clothes with grass stains -- separately from other laundry, especially sheets.
  3. Keep food and snacks out of bedrooms. Crumbs attract mold and bacteria.
May 31, 2023

What has the most bacteria in your house? ›

Where are the most likely places to find germs?
  • Cabinet handles.
  • Countertops.
  • Doorknobs, door handles and faucet handles.
  • Light switches.
  • Handheld electronics.
  • Phones (including your smartphone)
  • TV remotes.
  • Computer keyboard and mouse.
Jun 12, 2023

What bacteria is in dirty houses? ›

Another common health problem that happens when you live in a dirty home is stomach issues. If you leave bad food in the fridge, dishes in the sink, or don't clean food preparation areas, harmful bacterial will grow. This bacteria can lead to food poisoning, cross-contamination, or more serious issues, such as E.

Is better homes and gardens a walmart brand? ›

Better Homes & Gardens partnered with Walmart in 2008 to bring you a line of home products designed with function, beauty, and style in mind.

Who makes better homes and gardens? ›

Better Homes and Gardens focuses on interests regarding homes, cooking, gardening, crafts, healthy living, decorating, and entertaining. The magazine is published 12 times per year by Dotdash Meredith (formerly Meredith Corporation).

Is aerosol air freshener toxic? ›

Briefly inhaling a small amount of a spray air freshener might cause some coughing, choking, or difficulty catching one's breath. These effects should get better quickly with fresh air. Swallowing air freshener can cause toxicity ranging from minor irritation of the mouth to life-threatening effects.

What is the viral contamination of aerosol and surfaces through toilet use in health care and other settings? ›

The airborne spreading of enteric viruses can occur through the aerosol and droplets produced by toilet flushing. These can contaminate the surrounding environment, but few data exist to estimate the risk of exposure and infection.

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