VICKS NASAL SPRAY IN HEALTH ALERT

Thousands of Vicks nasal sprays are being recalled amid fears they could contain a dangerous bacteria.

Routine testing in Germany showed the spray could contain the bacteria B. cepacia, which can cause serious infections in people with a weak immune system or with lung conditions.

There were no reports of anyone falling ill from the sprays, said Procter & Gamble, the firm's parent company.

A statement on Vicks' website said: "The Procter & Gamble Company announced it is voluntarily recalling three lots of its Vicks Sinex nasal spray in three countries: the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom.

"The company said it is taking this precautionary step after finding the bacteria B. cepacia in a small amount of product made at its plant in Gross Gerau, Germany.

"There have been no reports of illness. However, the bacteria could cause serious infections for individuals with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis.

In total 120,000 of the sprays are being recalled in the US, Germany and Britain, according to reports.

The company statement added: "P&G detected this problem during routine quality control at the plant and promptly took action. The company analysis to date shows this problem is limited to a single batch of raw material mixture involving three lots of product. These three lots were sold only in the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom."

All the potentially infected sprays are being pulled from retailers' shelves and consumers are being urged to call a helpline on 0800 555 515.

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