Alcohol prep pads sold nationwide recalled due to possible microbial contamination – kare11.com
The bacteria may cause serious infections in immunocompromised patients, including those with weakened immune responses.
WASHINGTON — Alcohol prep pads sold nationwide are under recall due to a possible microbial contamination, the Food and Drug Administration warned Friday.
Cardinal Health issued a voluntary recall on Thursday for select lots of its Webcol Large Alcohol Prep Pads (70% isopropyl alcohol) as they may be contaminated with a bacteria called Paenibacillus phoenicis.
The contaminated pads may result in local and systemic infections for at-risk populations such as those with weakened immune response like patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy or “poorly controlled diabetes.” The pads could lead to life-threatening infections or central nervous system infections, according to the recall notice.
The recalled pads were distributed in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Japan between September 2025 and February 2026. They can be identified by the following lot numbers in this table.
Cardinal Health notified customers about the recall by mail on Mar. 2, urging consumers to do the following:
- REVIEW inventory for the affected product code.
- SEPARATE and quarantine all affected product upon review of inventory.
- DISSEMINATE Cardinal Health’s notice to all departments, clinics and external campuses that handle the affected products.
- NOTIFY any customers to whom they may have distributed or forwarded affected product about this voluntary recall.
- RETURN the acknowledgment form via fax to 614-652-9648 or email directly to GMB-FieldCorrectiveAction@cardinalhealth.com, confirming receipt of this product action.
Consumers with questions about the recall are welcomed to contact Cardinal Health at GMB-FieldCorrectiveAction@cardinalhealth.com or call 800-292-9332 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Monday through Friday. If anyone had issues or reactions related to the contaminated pads, they should contact their physician or health provider, the recall notice said.
