Eyedrops contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria recalled by US authorities

US authorities have issued a recall for EzriCare Artificial Tears, a brand of eyedrops contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria that may have caused one death and injured 68 others. The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have both warned against the use of the product, which has been linked to an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacteria can cause infections in the blood, lungs, or other parts of the body after surgery. The multi drug-resistant bacteria is responsible for an estimated 32,600 infections and 2,700 deaths in the US each year. Last month, the FDA issued a voluntary recall of the Global Pharma brand, which was linked to hospitalization and blindness. Consumers are advised to stop using the product and return it to the place of purchase.