Superdrug pulls hay fever products from shelves over ‘microbiological issues’
SUPERDRUG has recalled two hay fever products due to "microbiological issues".
Two types of eye mist have been pulled from shelves following the potential manufacturing error.
Shoppers are urged to stop using the products immediately and return them to their nearest store for a full refund.
The warning applies to Superdrug's Irritated Eye Mist (10ml) with the following batch numbers and expiry dates:
- BC: EM233782, EXP: 31/01/2026
- BC: EM233788, EXP: 31/01/2026
- BC: EM233851, EXP: 28/02/2026
- BC: EM233915, EXP: 30/04/2026
Certain boxes of Superdrug's Allergy Eye Mist (10ml) have also been recalled. These are:
READ MORE ON RECALLS
- BC: EM233920, EXP: 30/04/2026
- BC: EM233824, EXP: 28/02/2026
- BC: EM233926, EXP: 30/04/2026
- BC: EM233941, EXP: 30/04/2026
A spokesperson said: "Our supplier has highlighted that there may be a microbiological issue or contamination issue with the products.
"Customers who have bought the affected products are advised not to use them.
"Instead, return them to a Superdrug store for a full refund and 25 per cent off their next Superdrug own brand purchase.
"No other Superdrug products have been affected.
"The safety of our customers is our top priority and we are very sorry for any inconvenience caused."
Signs are being displayed in shops across the UK and a warning is also listed on the retailer's website.
Both products help relieve dry and irritated eyes, often caused by hay fever, dust and other allergies.
Superdrug could not confirm what kind of "microbiological contamination" had occurred.
But generally, this means an unwanted bacteria, virus, parasite, prion, fungi or chemical is present.
Some of these can be harmful to humans, causing diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, rashes and a fever.
Superdrug said that some customers may have experienced "minor eye irritation or an infection" but the impacted stock was identified and isolated quickly.
Anyone who thinks they might have had a reaction should contact their GP or local pharmacist for advice.
Hay fever symptoms & how to treat it
HAY fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.
Typical symptoms include:
- frequent sneezing
- runny or blocked nose
- itchy, red or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- an itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- cough, caused by postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose)
Less commonly, you may also experience:
- the loss of your sense of smell (anosmia)
- facial pain (caused by blocked sinuses)
- headaches
- earache
- tiredness and fatigue
If you have asthma, your asthma symptoms may get worse when you have hay fever.
How to treat it
There's currently no cure for hay fever and you cannot prevent it.
But you can do things to ease your symptoms when the pollen count is high.
- Put Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen from getting into your eyes
- Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash pollen off
- Stay indoors whenever possible
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible
- Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- Buy a pollen filter for the air vents in your car and a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities
Source: NHS