Urgent recall on teething gel over contamination fears
A baby teething gel has been recalled after testing revealed some batches were contaminated with a potentially harmful bacteria.
Brauer Natural Medicine is recalling its Brauer Teething Gel 20g because a bacteria called Burkholderia was found to be present in some samples.
The bacteria is commonly found in soil, water and the general environment, according to the Therapeutic Goods Administration, and can pose a serious threat to the health of children, especially those with compromised immune systems.
“They are capable of causing infections in healthy hosts, but in particular affect those with compromised immune systems. These bacteria can be also spread through person-to-person contact,” a TGA statement read.
The affected batch is 809057 which has an expiry date of September 2020. It has been sold in pharmacies, health food stores and via the internet since 24 October 2018.
Signs of an infection in infants
Initial symptoms of a Burkholderia infection can include a low-grade fever, which has the potential to develop into more serious conditions including pneumonia and other lung disorders.
Consumers have been warned to stop using the product immediately if they owned the specified batch number.
“Infants, in whom this product is most likely to be used, have an immature immune system and are therefore more susceptible to infection than healthy adults,” the statement said.
“In infants who have been treated with the affected gel, be alert to the potential signs of Burkholderia infection such as low-grade fever. Seek immediate medical advice if you suspect infection.”
Anyone who has the product was told to return it to where they purchased it, or contact Brauer customer service to arrange product return and a refund.
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