Gel Teether Recall: Cottontails, Playschool, Nuby Teethers Contain Bacteria

Following a nationwide recall of Nuby, Playschool and Cottontails gel-filled teethers, the FDA warned that consumers should not use the products, as the liquid inside the teethers has been found to contain bateria that could cause serious injury.

The gel teether recall was announced July 17, 2009, shortly after the FDA discovered two lots of the Nuby teether contained Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus circulans bacteria. Although the bacteria is not likely to cause problems in adults, infants and children with weakened immune systems could be susceptible to illness or more serious disease.

Luv N’ Care Ltd. Of Monroe, La., manufactured the contaminated teethers and they were sold through retailers nationwide and on the internet. The recall impacts Nuby gel-filled teethers with UPC codes 48526-00451-48526-00455, 48526-00459, 48526-00467, 48526-00472, 48526-00473, 48526-00482, 48526-00483, 48526-0045187, 48526-00490, 48526-00519 and 48526-00521; Cottontail gel teethers with UPC codes 41520-87115 and 41520-91660; and Playschool gel-filled teethers with UPC code 50428-91511.

If punctured, the gel in the teether may leak and be ingested by an infant or child. The bacteria could cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and possibly more serious illness in infants and children with weakened immune systems. According to the FDA, there have been no illnesses reported in connection with the contamination to date.

Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus circulans are both common soil contaminants. Bacillus subtilis sometimes causes spoilage of canned food, and Bacillus circulans has been linked to wound infections and septicemia in humans.

Luv N’ Care Ltd. has stopped production of the teethers. The FDA and the manufacturer urge consumers to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund. The FDA also indicated that any illnesses connected with the use of the teethers should be reported to the FDA MedWatch program.