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Walmart Recalls Better Homes & Gardens Spray After 2 Die from Bacterial Infections

by · Published October 24, 2021 · Updated October 25, 2021

walmart faces another deadly product recall

Walmart's history of product recalls is long, particularly in baby-related products. Just last year the company recalled more than 28,000 Chinese-made cribs after reports they were missing 2 out of 3 screws which could lead to a child falling.

In 2004, Walmart blamed toy manufacturer Mattel for its recall of up to 9 million Chinese-made toys with high lead content, resulting in an FTC lawsuit. More recently, the largest retailer in America has been besieged with numerous product recalls over defective items imported from China – everything from GI Joe action figures with high levels of toxic chemicals in vinyl miniatures, to fake Disney "Frozen" dresses being made by children in sweatshops.

Now comes word that Walmart is having to recall a deadly aromatherapy spray linked to at least 2 deaths, and maybe more. The CDC has announced the source of rare but harmful germs that sickened and killed a woman in Georgia earlier this year was an essential oil room spray sold at Walmart.

deadly better homes and gardens aromatherapy bacteria

The FDA has issued an urgent alert to doctors, urging them to keep a lookout for signs of melioidosis. This can be challenging to diagnose because it is intermittent and there are no symptoms at first. The spray was sold in 55 stores nationwide and online. So far several people have been injured and at least two have died.

The government and regulation agencies are doing their best to get the word out using websites, emails, and even social media. Especially since this can be a deadly bacteria. And we definitely understand that body mists and home sprays are very popular with people.

#Recall: @Walmart Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Due to Rare and Dangerous Bacteria; Two Deaths Investigated. Full recall notice: https://t.co/kXGj4hAJjs pic.twitter.com/jPrCd0b2ih

— US Consumer Product Safety Commission (@USCPSC) October 22, 2021

Melioidosis is a disease caused by the bacterium 'Burkholderia pseudomallei'. This bacterium is more commonly known as B. pseudomallei, Burkholderia mallei or meliodosis.

Melioidosis is one of the most serious infectious diseases that can affect humans, animals and plants. But fortunately it is relatively rare in Australia with only 200 cases per year on average, but it can be fatal if not treated quickly. It usually infects people who are working outdoors in tropical areas where soil may become contaminated with this bacteria native to Thailand.

Here are the exact details in case you or someone you know might be at risk.

What product is being recalled? Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Infused Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones

What did the CDC find? Tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined that a bottle of the room spray contained the rare and dangerous bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei which causes melioidosis, a condition that is difficult to diagnose and can be fatal.

Who has been impacted so far? CDC has been investigating a cluster of four confirmed cases of melioidosis including two deaths in the U.S. Though the source of these four infections has not been confirmed by CDC, the bottle with the same type of bacteria was found in the home of one of the melioidosis decedents.

When did this recall occur? October 22, 2021

How many units are being recalled? About 3,900

Walmart sells a wide range of products in this category, from decor to bakeware. What makes them unique is they offer a complete line of products that are easy on the budget. They feature a wide array of product lines including casual dinnerware, decor for outdoors, tools/hardware line and outdoor decor items.

Wooden storage bins
Household accessories
Bakeware
Digital kitchen scales
Kitchen towels
Pet food containers
Colanders & strainers for cooking vegetables & pasta

If you do come in contact with the product, take extreme caution. The CDC recommends you quickly seal the spray in a ziplock back and then clean any areas with a disinfectant that may be impacted.