PDI Alcohol Wipe Recall: Bacterial Contamination Risk

Another company has decided to recall its line of non-sterile alcohol prep pads and wipes due to the risk of bacterial contamination. 

Professional Disposables International, Inc. (PDI) announced an alcohol wipe recall on September 20, after Bacillus cereus bacteria was detected on some of its non-sterile prep pads.

The same organism was responsible for problems that led to a massive alcohol prep pad recall earlier this year for Triad wipes manufactured by H&P Industries. Both alcohol wipe manufacturers reportedly share a common supplier.

H&P Industries was shut down earlier this year after an FDA investigation into sanitary problems at its Wisconsin manufacturing facility found a number of issues.

Contaminated Triad wipes made by H&P Industries have been linked to at least 8 deaths, 11 cases of infection and more than 250 consumer complaints. There have been no reported illnesses linked to contaminated PDI alcohol wipes.

Bacillus cereus is responsible for about two percent of all foodborne illness, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Illness comes within 24 hours after exposure and can result in a diarrheal illness. Serious illness and permanent injury are very rare.

The PDI wipe recall affects all lots for six product lines, including PDI Alcohol Prep Pads,, Proadvantage Alcohol Prep Pads, Medi-Pak Alcohol Prep Pads, Medi-Choice Alcohol Prep Pads, ShopRite Alcohol Prep Pads and Duane Reade Alcohol Prep Pads. The recalls affect only the non-sterile versions of those pads.

The company claims that the recalled products were manufactured under current Good Manufacturing Practices and tested prior to shipping. PDI also states that the company has updated product specifications and is conducting pre-shipping tests on all of its pads and wipes.

A full list of item numbers and a lot number search engine have been posted in the PDI recall notice. Consumers with questions can call (800)999-6423 (ext. 8240) or send an e-mail to productsuport@pdipdi.com. The company has also posted a Recall Response Form (pdf) for customers with products that need to be returned.