Vicks nasal spray recalled after bacteria found

updated 8:13 a.m. ET Nov. 20, 2009

CINCINNATI - The Procter & Gamble Co. has recalled some 120,000 bottles of Vicks Sinex nasal spray after the company found bacteria in samples during routine testing.

Spokesman Tom Millikin described the voluntary recall as a precaution after small amounts of the B. cepacia bacteria were found in the over-the-counter product at the German plant where it's made.

Millikin says no illnesses have been reported. He says the bacteria could harm people with chronic lung problems or weakened immune systems.

Three lots of the spray sent to stores in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom are being recalled.

The company, which is based in Cincinnati, says it has informed regulatory authorities in the affected countries.

The bacteria were found in a small amount of the U.S. lot after it shipped, and the company is testing samples from the U.K. and German lots produced from the same raw material mixture in Gross Gerau, Germany.

P&G says consumers should not use the medication.

The U.S. Centers for Disease control says on its Web site that the bacteria pose "little medical risk to healthy people."

Lot numbers are on both outer cartons and the bottles inside. The numbers of the affected lots are:

In the U.S.: 9239028831

In the U.K.: 9224028832

In Germany: 9224028833

Also in msnbc.com Health   Sugary sodas linked to pancreas cancer Destined to inherit your mom's bod?   Autism risk in kids rises with mom’s age Ditch just one tempting food — and lose weight Lower your heart rate, prevent a heart attack Fact or fiction? Health care bill creates 150 new agencies

MORE FROM COLD AND FLU

Cold and flu Section Front

Sniffle wars: Ailing couples one-up each other Waning H1N1 pandemic may let in new viruses Interest in seasonal flu shots may be waning Little evidence Tamiflu works, report says P&G recalls Vicks nasal spray after bacteria found How to stay healthy during flu season 9 surprising places where germs lurk County to sick workers: Stay home or risk firing FDA warns P&G for adding vitamin C to Nyquil Rite Aid alters pregnant women's flu shot rules Cold and flu Section Front   Add Cold and flu headlines to your news reader: