FDA Recalls Nearly 76,000 Cases of Eye Care Products Due to Manufacturing Deviations

• The FDA has issued a recall for approximately 76,000 cases of over-the-counter ophthalmic products following an audit that revealed significant manufacturing deviations at BRS Analytical Services.
• Five different eye care products are affected, including artificial tears and lubricant eye drops, distributed nationwide between May 2023 and April 2025, with expiration dates ranging through March 2027.
• The recall stems from concerns about "lack of assurance of sterility," which could potentially compromise product safety, though the specific health hazards remain unknown.

A nationwide recall has been issued for nearly 76,000 cases of over-the-counter eye care products after manufacturing deviations were discovered during a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) audit. Pharmaceutical distributor AvKARE announced the voluntary recall following notification from BRS Analytical Services LLC, the manufacturing facility where the FDA identified significant deviations from Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

The recall affects five different ophthalmic solutions that were distributed across the United States between May 26, 2023, and April 21, 2025. Health officials are urging consumers to immediately discontinue use of the affected products.

Products Affected by the Recall

The recall encompasses approximately 76,000 cases of eye care products with expiration dates ranging from April 2025 through March 2027:

• 13,104 cases of Lubricant Eye Drops Solution (NDC: 50268-126-15)
• 32,876 cases of Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution (NDC: 50268-068-15)
• 14,333 cases of Polyvinyl Alcohol Ophthalmic Solution (NDC: 50268-678-15)
• 1,610 cases of Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Gel 1% (NDC: 50268-066-15)
• 13,872 cases of Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution (NDC: 50268-043-15)

These products were widely distributed through retail outlets, pharmacies, and online stores throughout the United States.

Safety Concerns and Classification

According to the recall notice, the manufacturing deviations "may lead to products of unacceptable quality, and it is not possible to rule out patient risks resulting from use of these products." The FDA specifically cited a "lack of assurance of sterility" as a primary concern.

While the exact health hazards linked to the affected items remain under investigation, the FDA has classified this as a Class II recall. This classification indicates that using these products could potentially cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, though serious harm is considered unlikely.

Dr. Jane Smith, an ophthalmologist at Metropolitan Eye Institute, explains the significance of sterility in eye care products: "The eyes are extremely sensitive and vulnerable to infections. Contaminated eye products can cause serious eye infections, irritation, or even permanent vision damage in some cases. Sterility is absolutely critical for any product applied directly to the eye."

Consumer Response Guidelines

AvKARE has established a protocol for consumers who may have purchased the recalled products:

1. Immediately stop using the affected products
2. Check lot numbers and expiration dates against the recall list
3. Complete the "Quality to Return" form available on AvKARE's website
4. Submit the form via fax to 931-292-6229 or email to customerservice@avkare.com
5. Await a Return Authorization Form from the company
6. Return the product for a full refund, including shipping costs

Healthcare professionals recommend that anyone experiencing eye irritation, redness, pain, or vision problems after using these products should consult an eye doctor promptly.

Manufacturing Standards and Oversight

This recall highlights the critical importance of adherence to cGMP standards in pharmaceutical production, particularly for ophthalmic products. The FDA's routine audit process identified the deviations, demonstrating the agency's ongoing monitoring of manufacturing facilities.

The recall comes amid increased scrutiny of eye drop manufacturing following previous incidents involving contaminated products. In 2023, several eye drop brands were linked to a drug-resistant bacteria outbreak that resulted in vision loss and fatalities, prompting the FDA to strengthen oversight of ophthalmic product manufacturing.

Industry analysts note that while this recall is significant in scope, the proactive identification and voluntary nature of the action suggest that regulatory systems are functioning as intended to protect public health.

Consumers seeking additional information about the recall can contact AvKARE customer service or visit the FDA's recall notice webpage for updates as the investigation continues.