Walmart has urgently issued a product recall over an item that may be involved in two recent deaths in the United States. The product is their Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones. They say that they could be contaminated with bacteria that, in some cases, can cause serious illness and can even be fatal. (1)
Walmart Issues Recall Over An Aromatherapy Room Spray
Most of the time when we hear about product recalls they involve food items or products you are putting directly onto or into your body. This time, however, it involves a home-care product. Walmart recently issued an urgent recall of their Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones. They may have linked the product to four instances of a serious disease, including two deaths.
“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,” Walmart said in a statement. (2)
Walmart is recalling 3,900 bottles of the spray. They believe that these bottles may contain the dangerous bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei. This bacteria can cause an illness called Melioidosis, which can in some cases be fatal. The CDC has not confirmed that these bottles are the cause of the four cases and two deaths. Officials did find a bottle with the same bacteria in the home of one of the people who died. The specific bottles that they have recalled are (1):
- 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
The bottles were all sold between February 2021 and October 2021.
What To Do If You Have A Recalled Bottle
Walmart has also issued instructions on what to do if you have one of the bottles in your home. First, they ask that you stop using them immediately. Do not open the bottle or throw it away. Rather, put it inside two, clear zip-lock bags and return it to your nearest Walmart location. The store has promised a refund for everyone who returns them.
The health officials have also advised that if you have used this product in the last 21 days, please seek medical care. They want to be sure that you do not have any early symptoms of Melioidosis.
What Is Melioidosis?
Melioidosis is also known as Whitemore’s disease. It is an infectious disease caused by the Burkholderia pseudomallei bacteria. Doctors most often see cases in tropical climates and can infect both humans and animals. Its wide range of symptoms often causes people to mistake it for other diseases. The symptoms include (3):
- Localized pain or swelling
- Fever
- Ulceration
- Abscess
- Cough/Respiratory distress
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Anorexia/Weight loss
- Abdominal discomfort
- Joint pain
- Disorientation
- Central nervous system or brain infection
- Seizures
If you are in any way immuno-compromised, your risk of developing the illness and having a more severe case is greater. Medical treatment is the only way to treat the illness. If you have any of these symptoms and you have used these sprays, it is highly important that you seek medical observation immediately.
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Sources
- “Walmart Recalls Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Due to Rare and Dangerous Bacteria; Two Deaths Investigated.” CPSC.
- “Walmart recalls aromatherapy spray that contained deadly bacteria.” CNN. Parija Kavilanz. October 23, 2021.
- “Melioidosis.” CDC