Deadly Bacteria Found in Popular Nasal Wash – Major Recall Underway

The SinuCleanse nasal wash, found in stores nationwide, has been urgently recalled after testing positive for a potentially deadly Staphylococcus aureus contamination that could cause life-threatening blood infections in users with compromised nasal passages.

Key Takeaways

• SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash Lot Number 024122661A1 (expiration 12/31/2027) is being recalled due to Staphylococcus aureus bacterial contamination
• The contaminated product was distributed nationwide in January 2025 both in stores and online
• Staphylococcus aureus can cause serious infections including endocarditis, bone infections, meningitis, and bacterial sinusitis
• Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it properly
• No adverse health events have been reported yet, but users experiencing symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately

Deadly Bacteria Found in Common Nasal Wash Product

Ascent Consumer Products has issued a nationwide voluntary recall of their SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash after discovering Staphylococcus aureus contamination in the product. The recall specifically targets Lot Number 024122661A1 with an expiration date of December 31, 2027. The contaminated products were distributed across America both in physical retail locations and through online marketplaces starting in January 2025. This poses a significant health risk to consumers who may have purchased the affected lot.

“As the FDA put it, the contaminated wash could cause serious, potentially life-threatening blood infections in certain users.”

Serious Health Risks from Bacterial Contamination

The presence of Staphylococcus aureus in a nasal wash product is particularly dangerous because the device is designed to irrigate nasal passages directly. Users with inflamed or damaged nasal mucosa are at heightened risk for introducing the bacteria directly into their bloodstream. The bacteria can lead to severe health complications including endocarditis (heart valve infection), bone and joint infections, splenic abscesses, meningitis, and bacterial sinusitis. These conditions can be life-threatening if not immediately treated.

“Use of the SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System, contaminated with S. aureus, can result in blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries, caused by nasal irrigation,” the recall notice says.”

While no adverse health effects have been reported as of the publication date, the FDA has taken proactive measures to protect public health by advising retailers to immediately stop distribution and remove the affected product from shelves. The recall underscores the critical importance of rigorous quality control in personal health care products, especially those intended for use in sensitive areas like nasal passages. Contamination in such products presents a particularly serious risk to public health.

Immediate Action Required from Consumers

Anyone who has purchased the recalled SinuCleanse product should check the lot number immediately. The FDA and Ascent Consumer Products have issued clear guidance for consumers who may have the affected product in their possession. You should discontinue use immediately and either return the product to the place of purchase or dispose of it properly. The company has established a dedicated communication channel for concerned customers to get their questions answered.

“Consumers who have this product should discontinue use immediately and return it to the place of purchase or discard it,” the recall notice says.”

For questions or concerns, consumers can contact Ascent Consumer Products Inc. via email at [email protected]. If you believe you have experienced health issues related to using the contaminated product, contact your healthcare provider immediately and report the adverse reaction to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. This recall follows another recent nasal product safety issue where NeilMed recalled over 89,000 units of NasoGel for Dry Noses due to microbial concerns, indicating potential quality control problems across the industry.