As part of its commitment to provide safe and high-quality products to customers, Walmart has issued an urgent recall for air fresheners that are believed to have killed two people, including a child.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had investigated reports of cases of melioidosis, which the agency has linked to the air fresheners. The disease is caused by a rare bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei, which was found in the products.
The CDC said the disease, also known as Whitmore's disease can cause symptoms such as cough, chest pain, fever, ulcers, headache, stomach pain, joint pain, respiratory issues, brain infection, and in rare cases even death. The CDC said it had investigated a cluster of four cases in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia.
The contaminated air fresheners included different variants under the Better Homes & Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy brand. Walmart issued a recall for roughly 3,900 bottles of the products, which were packaged inside spray bottles. Among those affected were the product's Lavender & Chamomile, Lemon and Mandarin, Lavender, Peppermint, Lime & Eucalyptus, and Sandalwood and Vanilla scents.
In a press release, Walmart expressed its sympathies to the victims impacted by the contamination. The company reiterated that customer safety was its top priority, which is why it had decided to proactively put a plan of action. The company said it is now actively notifying customers not to purchase the product and that it is also now working with federal agencies in their investigation.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission said the CDC investigation is still ongoing and they have not yet completely determined if the source of the infections was indeed from the recalled products.
Walmart said it immediately pulled the products out from shelves from around 55 of its location in 18 states when it learned about the reports. The company is asking those who had purchased the affected sprays to immediately stop using them.
Walmart also outlined in its Recall Notice how customers and secure and return the products to any of its outlets. Customers have been told to place the bottles in plastic bags and then inside a clear resealable bag before mailing it or returning it back to the company. Walmart will be providing a full refund as well as a $20 gift card to affected customers.
