Nasal spray recall after bacterial contamination

By Jessica Laurence, Jan 17, 2012

Nasal spray recall after bacterial contamination Rex

Thousands of bottles of Sterimar Isotonic spray have been recalled after two batches were found to be contaminated with the bacteria Pseudomonas stutzeri and Sphingomonas paucimobilis.

The bacteria, which is usually present in soil and water, can cause fever, nasal or facial tenderness and discoloured mucus in people with nasal problems or who have recently had surgery.

The health watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said anyone who had the product should stop using it immediately and return it to the shop they bought it from.

A statement on the MHRA website said if consumers "exhibit any of the symptoms...then they should consult a healthcare professional."

"The affected batches are FE1248b and FE1249. The batch number can be located on the product packaging and on the base of the can."

Flu-fighting foods

Chicken soup
 Chicken soup has long been a go-to cold cure thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mucous-thinning properties. Adding noodles or vegetables will help bolster the immune system with additional carbs and nutrients, and give your body a much-needed energy boost.
Garlic
 Not great for your breath, garlic is good for your body, thanks to allicin (produced when garlic is crushed), which helps fight infections.
Mushrooms
 These immune-boosters contain cytokines which help defend the body against viruses and tumours. A 2011 study found that the <a href="http://lifestyle.aol.co.uk/2011/12/20/mushroom-omelette-could-cut-your-risk-of-pancreatic-cancer/" target="_self">selenium and nickel in mushrooms can also help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer</a>.
Sweet potatoes
 Full of fibre and beta-carotene - which is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps with respiratory infections - sweet potatoes are among the tastiest immune-boosters. Other orange foods like carrots and squash are also good.
Oats
 Packed with vitamins E and B as well as beta-glucan, a fibre with strong antioxidant capabilities, oats have been found to help stave off flu and herpes in animals, as well as boosting immunity and healing wounds faster in humans.
Chilli peppers
 Hot peppers have capsaicin, which will thin mucous and help with congestion. Make a warming, veggie-packed chilli dish to get a nutrient boost and energy levels up.
Strawberries
 While vitamin C's flu-fighting effects are debatable, it's still a powerful antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure, boosts collagen production and acts as a natural antihistamine. Strawberries are packed with vitamin C and aid in reducing inflammation, as well as preventing cancer and promoting heart health.
Tea with honey and ginger
 Full of antibacterial polyphenols which are anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, tea (without milk) is an easy, natural cold fighter. Add honey for energy (it will help with a sore throat and will fight off bacterial infections), and some ginger to calm an upset stomach.
Dark chocolate
 Here's some tasty news: dark chocolate can help boost your immunity, thanks to high cocoa levels which support the body's T-cells and help aid in fighting infection. In addition, dark chocolate's theobromine content has been found to work as a cough suppressant.
Yoghurt
 A study found that the probiotics in yoghurts with live and active cultures may reduce cold and flu symptoms, cutting the duration of a fever, cold and runny nose.