A Cold, Sinus and Allergy Product Sold at Walmart and Other Retailers Has Been Recalled Nationwide

Sinus irrigation systems have gone from being perceived as a holistic tool to more widely embraced even under the advice of medical doctors. But if you’re using a NetiPot or any product similar to it to cleanse your sinuses, experts say it’s imperative that you follow the instructions carefully, and especially use the correct kind of water. Usually water that’s boiled, sterile, or distilled is recommended, or sometimes saline.

That’s because harmful microbes can form in liquid, and fluid with this type of contamination is not something you want to introduce to your respiratory system. Late day Tuesday, the US Food and Drug Administration released a report for a recall on Ascent Consumer Products Inc.’s SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System. The recall is “due to a confirmed test result of microbial contamination of the product with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus),” the FDA states.

The sinus cleanser product appears to be sold at such retailers as Walmart, Amazon, and at major pharmacy chains like Walgreens. “The affected lot was distributed in January 2025 nationwide through retail and online outlets,” the FDA’s advisory says.

It’s unclear what prompted the microbial investigation into the product. The FDA says no adverse reactions have been reported at the time of this writing, but shares the following about S. aureus staph infection:

“Use of the SinuCleanse Soft Tip Squeeze Bottle Nasal Wash System, contaminated with S. aureus, can result in blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries, caused by nasal irrigation. Resulting secondary infections may occur, such as endocarditis (infection of the heart’s inner lining), bone and joint infections, splenic abscesses or meningitis, and bacterial sinusitis which may lead to eye tissue infections, vision problems, cranial nerve damage, or meningitis. These infections are serious and potentially life-threatening.”

The quantity of units recalled is not mentioned, but recall product details include the following printed either on the exterior carton or the saline packets inside:

• Lot number: 024122661A1
• Expiration date: 12-31-2027

“Consumers who have this product should discontinue use immediately and return it to the place of purchase or discard it,” the FDA’s notice advises. Contact information can be found via the link to the recall above.

For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy by Reader’s Digest newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading:

• Walmart and Amazon Just Recalled a Small Appliance That Experts Have Labeled as “Hazardous”
• Nearly 18,000 Popular Scooters Sold at Walmart and Sam’s Club Recalled Nationwide
• 4 Weight Loss Supplements Recalled Nationwide at FDA’s Highest Risk Level
• More Than 4,000 Cough Medicines Have Been Recalled in One U.S. State