Contamination Risk Prompts Nationwide Recall of Generic Brands Sold at Walmart, Walgreens, and Major Grocers
A massive voluntary recall is underway for more than 3.1 million bottles of eye drops after California-based K.C. Pharmaceuticals identified a “lack of assurance of sterility” in its manufacturing process.
The recall, initiated on March 31, 2026, involves 26 different labels and dozens of over-the-counter formulations. While no specific infections have been confirmed to date, the FDA warns that using non-sterile ophthalmic products can lead to serious eye infections, potentially resulting in vision loss.
The scope of the recall is particularly broad, hitting store-brand labels at major retailers across North Carolina.
Affected products include various “Artificial Tears,” “Advanced Relief,” and “Redness Relief” drops sold under the Equate brand at Walmart, as well as store brands for Walgreens, CVS, Harris Teeter, and Rite Aid. Consumer brands such as GoodSense, Leader, and Rugby Laboratories are also included in the withdrawal.
Consumers are urged to check their medicine cabinets for lot numbers beginning with prefixes AC, AR, LT, SU, RG, RL, SY, or AT, with expiration dates extending through 2026. Retailers are currently removing these items from shelves, and customers who have purchased the affected drops are advised to stop using them immediately.
Products may be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund or discarded safely to prevent accidental use.
Local health officials recommend monitoring for symptoms such as unusual discharge, eye pain, or blurred vision if these products have been used recently.
For residents in the Coastal Plain region, specific attention should be paid to bottles purchased at high-traffic retailers like Walmart and regional grocery chains. For a complete list of affected lot numbers and brands, consumers can visit the official FDA recall database.
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