More than 3 million bottles of eye drops sold at major retailers including CVS, HEB, Kroger, Meijer, Walgreens and other stores nationwide have been voluntarily recalled due to a "lack of assurance of sterility," according to a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recall affects everyday shoppers who use over-the-counter eye drops for dryness and redness relief, and it is a reminder that even routine drugstore purchases deserve a second look. Our consumer reporter has long urged readers to check recall notices before assuming a product on store shelves is automatically safe, and this case shows why that habit matters.
The recalled drops were produced by KC Pharmaceuticals Inc., a private label manufacturer, and sold under a range of store and generic brand names, including Best Choice, CVS, Discount Drug Mart, Gericare, Kroger and Walgreens. The products were initially recalled on March 3, according to the FDA. On March 31, the agency assigned the recall a Class II designation, meaning use of the affected products may cause "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences" or, in rare cases, more serious harm.
How to spot it
- Check whether your eye drops fall under brand names such as Best Choice, CVS, Discount Drug Mart, Gericare, Kroger or Walgreens.
- Look up your bottle's lot number, UPC code and expiration date against the full list posted on the FDA website.
- Watch for CVS-specific notices covering GeriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, CVS Lubricant Eye Drops Redness Reliever, CVS Lubricant Eye Drops Dry Eye, and two-packs of CVS Lubricant Eye Drops Redness Reliever, all cited for potential microbial contamination.
What to do if it happened to you
Customers who purchased any of the affected products can return them to any CVS Pharmacy for a refund, according to the company. A CVS spokesperson told ABC News on Friday that the four CVS-related products had been "discontinued nearly a year ago" and that the company was "fully cooperating" with the manufacturer's recall. The spokesperson added, "We're committed to ensuring the products we offer are safe, work as intended, comply with regulations, and satisfy customers' needs."
Shoppers should confirm their product against the FDA's full list of lot numbers and expiration dates before use, and consult the retailer where the drops were purchased for return instructions. ABC News reported it had reached out to KC Pharmaceuticals Inc. for comment.
