FDA Issues New Warning For Eye Drop Products Due to Contamination Concerns

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning to consumers, urging them to immediately discontinue the use of two newly released eye drop products. The affected products, namely "Dr. Berne's MSM Drops 5% Solution" and "LightEyez MSM Eye Drops – Eye Repair," have been identified to carry a potential risk of bacterial or fungal contamination. This contamination can have serious implications, including the development of vision-compromising conditions and even life-threatening infections.

These alarming warnings from the FDA underscore the critical importance of being cautious about the products we use, particularly those intended for our well-being. The potential consequences of using contaminated eye drops are substantial, and the FDA's proactive stance in alerting consumers reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health.

This is not the first instance of such warnings from the FDA concerning eye drop products. Just earlier this year, a series of eye drop brands were found to be associated with an outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria. Tragically, this outbreak resulted in the loss of four lives and numerous infections across 18 states, leaving the affected individuals and their families grappling with the aftermath.

Given these recent developments, it is prudent for individuals who rely on eye drops for various ocular conditions to be vigilant about the products they use. Regularly checking for recalls and advisories from regulatory agencies like the FDA can play a crucial role in ensuring one's safety and well-being. In a world where health and safety are paramount, staying informed is an essential aspect of maintaining one's overall quality of life.

As we navigate these challenges, it's crucial to prioritize our eye health by using only products that have been thoroughly tested and approved. If you have any concerns or doubts about the eye drops you've been using, consulting a healthcare professional is a step in the right direction to ensure the continued health of your vision.

The recent FDA warnings serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with seemingly safe products. By staying informed and making well-informed choices, we can collectively contribute to a safer and healthier environment for ourselves and those around us.

A new Consumer Reports study has ranked the riskiest foods. They analyzed data from the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Department of Agriculture between 2017 and 2022. Their researchers focused on "widely consumed foods" that had recalls over a specific duration of time.

According to Consumers Reports, the CDC estimates that 48 million people each year fall ill from salmonella, listeria, E. coli, or other bacteria or viruses in food. They said most recover on their own after a few days. But about 130,000 people are hospitalized and 3,000 die from foodborne illnesses yearly.

Some of the foods that are ranked at the top of the list include bagged salads, poultry products, and deli meats. The top five are leafy greens, deli cheese and meat, ground beef, onions, and poultry. Bagged salads and other leafy greens ranked number one on the list. They found 50 different recalls linked to them since 2017. Also, it has the most caused deaths. Last on the list at number ten is flour. Unlike leafy greens, flour has had zero total deaths.

"We aren’t saying people need to avoid these foods entirely," says Brian Ronholm, director of food policy at CR, who led the analysis. "After all, these foods are all usually safe, and many of them are in fact important parts of a healthy diet." Ronholm continued to say in Consumers Report that the list underscores the "importance of following best food safety practices with all of your foods, including knowing how to track, and respond, to food recalls when they happen." Read the entire list, and learn how you can reduce your risk at Consumer Reports.