Personal Injury Law

Triad Wipes Recalled Due to Deadly Bacteria

By Jamie G. Goldstein

Triad Group located in Hartland, Wisconsin has recently been blamed as the source of a number of possibly infected products—including alcohol wipes that have been linked to the death of a 2-year-old Houston boy last December. Tragedy occurred when the toddler, who was recovering well from brain and spinal surgery, developed acute bacterial meningitis that killed him rapidly and unexpectedly. Tests later showed the infection was caused by the bacteria Bacillus cereus, a rare bacteria most typically linked to food poisoning.

Why Were the Wipes Recalled?

The next month in January, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement recalling '[a]ll lots of alcohol prep pads, alcohol swabs, and alcohol swabsticks manufactured by triad group' due to contamination with the Bacillus cereus bacteria. Government documents also reveal that the FDA had noted possible contamination problems during both its 2009 and 2010 inspections when it noted in its reports '[p]rocedures designed to prevent microbiological contamination of drug products purporting to be sterile are not followed.' The recall affects tens of millions of products on the open market. Since the FDA issued the recall, hundreds of people have come forward to report problems ranging from skin infections to more serious illnesses. Another Tennessee man says an infection resulting from Triad wipes he used to disinfect his skin was so severe that he had to have open heart surgery resulting from endomyocarditis, which can be caused by the same bacteria. Bacillus cereus infections caused by Triad wipes are likely underreported because unless the bacterium is specifically cultured, it doesn't show up in test results.

Where are Triad Wipes Sold?

Triad wipes are sold over-the-counter and sold in the United States, Canada, and Europe. H&P Industries, which runs Triad Group, sells generic medical products under private labels at common grocery and drug store chains. The names Cardinal Health, Conzellin, PSS Select, VersaPro, Boca/Ultilet, Moore Medical, Walgreens, and/or CVS may appear on the product packaging. Although the wipes have been recalled, some internet retailers still have them available for purchase. FDA inspection documents also show possible contamination problems with other Triad products that have not been recalled such as sterile jelly, mouthwash, and cold medication.

Full post as published by Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer on March 05, 2011 (boomark / email).