The Recall Desk

Hazard

Sterilization Failure recalls

574 recalls in our database tag this hazard, drawn from FDA, USDA FSIS, CPSC, and NHTSA source notices.

What the numbers show

Total
574
Critical
3
Severe
34
Most recent
2026-07-22

Of the 574 sterilization failure recalls we have scored against our rubric, 3 (1%) are Critical — deaths or serious injuries reported, or the agency’s own highest classification — and 34 (6%) are Severe.

About this hazard tag

Hazard tags are short, machine-readable labels we attach to every recall to make cross-cutting queries possible — “all sterilization failure recalls regardless of agency”, “all listeria recalls in California”, “all airbag recalls in 2025”. The tags are extracted from each recall’s source text during the LLM rewrite step and validated against a fixed schema.

A recall can carry multiple tags — a Listeria recall might also be tagged ready-to-eat and undeclared-allergen. Use the full-text search if you want to combine hazard tags with brand or category filters.

126–150 of 574

  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-1060-2023·2023-08-09

    HYDROmorphone Injectable Syringes Recalled for Lack of Sterilization Validation

    Central Admixture Pharmacy Services is recalling 5,259 HYDROmorphone injectable syringes nationwide due to lack of validation data for sterilization, raising concerns about product sterility assurance.

    Product
    HYDROmorphone in 0.9% sodium chloride, 30 mg/30 mL, (1 mg/mL), 30 mL Syringe, Rx only, Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc., 7935 Dunbrook Road, Suite C, San Diego, CA 92126, NDC 71286-2012-1
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-0960-2023·2023-08-09

    PHENYLephrine Intravenous Bags Recalled for Lack of Sterility Assurance

    Central Admixture Pharmacy Services is recalling PHENYLephrine IV bags distributed nationwide. The company could not prove the products were properly sterilized.

    Product
    PHENYLephrine, 10mg/250ml added to 0.9% sodium chloride, 40mcg/mL, IV Bag, Rx Only, Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc., 2200 South 43rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043, NDC: 72196-6058-1.
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-1036-2023·2023-08-09

    Cardioplegia IV Solution Recalled for Sterilization Validation Deficiency

    Central Admixture Pharmacy Services is recalling 88 bags of Cardioplegia Solution (Lot 36-255943) due to lack of assurance of sterility and insufficient validation of decontamination cycles. The product is used during cardiac surgery.

    Product
    CARDIOPLEGIA SOLUTION, 20 mEq K, Maintenance 4:1, Low Potassium, IV Bag, total volume = 810 mL, Rx only, Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc., 2200 South 43rd Avenue, Pheonix, AZ 85043, NDC: 72196-0103-1
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-0994-2023·2023-08-09

    Neonatal TPN Bags Recalled for Lack of Sterility Assurance

    Central Admixture Pharmacy Services recalls 68 bags of Neonatal TPN Starter Bag due to lack of assurance of sterility and missing validation data for decontamination cycles.

    Product
    Neonatal TPN Starter Bag, Amino Acids (Trophamine) 2%/Dextrose 5% with CALCIUM and HEPARIN, total volume = 250mL, IV Bag, Rx Only, Rx only, Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc., 2200 South 43rd Avenue, Pheonix, AZ 85043, NDC: 72196-0415-1
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-0958-2023·2023-08-09

    Epinephrine IV solution bags recalled due to inadequate sterilization validation

    Central Admixture Pharmacy Services is recalling 6,784 bags of Epinephrine IV solution nationwide because validation data for decontamination and sterilization processes is lacking, creating a potential contamination risk.

    Product
    EPINEPHrine added to dextrose 5%, 4mg/250ml, IV Bag, Rx Only, Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc., 2200 South 43rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85043, NDC: 72196-7018-1.
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-0983-2023·2023-08-09

    FDA Recalls Oxytocin IV Bags Due to Sterility Assurance Concerns

    Central Admixture Pharmacy Services is recalling 463 bags of oxytocin IV solution nationwide due to inadequate validation data for sterilization processes. The product may not meet FDA sterility standards required for injectable medications.

    Product
    oxyTOCIN, 20 units added to dextrose 5%/lactated ringers 1000 mL, IV Bag, Rx Only, This drug was repacked by CAPS, Inc., 2200 South 43rd Avenue, Pheonix, AZ 85043, NDC: 72196-6031-1
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • ModerateFDA (Devices)·Z-2095-2023·2023-07-12

    Teleflex Pilling O'Reilly Esophageal Retractor Recalled for Incomplete Cleaning Instructions

    TELEFLEX LLC recalled the Pilling O'REILLY ESOPHAGEAL RETRACTOR (REF 381801A) due to incomplete pre-cleaning instructions in the product's Instructions for Use. The recall affects 365 units distributed nationwide and internationally.

    Product
    Pilling O'REILLY ESOPHAGEAL RETRACTOR, REF 381801A; ENT retractor
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-0673-2023·2023-05-31

    Cardioplegia Solution Recall Due to Lack of Sterility Assurance

    Central Admixture Pharmacy Services is recalling cardioplegia solution due to lack of assurance of sterility. An FDA inspection raised concerns about whether the 329 bags were properly sterilized.

    Product
    Cardioplegia Solution, Modified St Thomas Formula, HIGH POTASSIUM, 122 mEq K, packaged in 1000 mL per bag, Rx only, Central Admixture Pharmacy Services, Inc., Lehigh Valley, 6580 Snowdrift Road, Allentown, PA 18106, NDC 71285-0209-1.
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1387-2023·2023-04-19

    Step Bladeless Trocars recalled for sterilization failure

    Covidien's Step Bladeless Trocars (Model S101010, Lot P2G0069) are being recalled due to a sterilization process failure that may have resulted in unsterile instruments. Use of affected units may lead to infection or vision loss in eye procedures.

    Product
    Step Bladeless Trocars, 10 mm cannula and dilator with radially expandable sleeve and 5 - 10 mm reducer, Product Number S101010
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1336-2023·2023-04-12

    VASOVIEW HEMOPRO 2 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System Recalled for Sterilization Failure

    Maquet Cardiovascular is recalling approximately 2,300 units of the VASOVIEW HEMOPRO 2 system because some batches were not sterilized to specification. This sterilization failure creates a risk of contamination and potential infection during surgical procedures.

    Product
    VASOVIEW HEMOPRO 2 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, Model Number C-VH-4000
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Drugs)·D-0487-2023·2023-04-05

    Apollo Care Fentanyl and Ropivacaine Epidural Injection Recalled for Contamination

    Apollo Care is recalling 215 bags of Fentanyl and Ropivacaine epidural injection (Lot AC-016581) due to suspected microbial growth on external packaging. The recall affects product distributed in Missouri.

    Product
    Fentanyl 500mcg (2mcg/mL) and Ropivacaine HCl 250mg (1mg/mL) added to 250mL 0.9% Sodium Chloride, For Epidural Use Only, Rx only, 3801 Mojave Ct. Suite 101, Columbia, MO 65202, NDC 71170-950-25
    Category
    Drug
    Distribution
    1 state
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1161-2023·2023-03-01

    Sterile Oncology Port Access Tray Recalled for Sterilization Failure

    Medline is recalling sterile oncology port access trays in which some components were not properly sterilized due to improper placement during manufacturing. Healthcare facilities should immediately discontinue use of affected units.

    Product
    Medline Sterile Oncology Port Access Tray, Item #DYNDC2239, 20 sterile kits per case, containing Ethicon Biopatch Protective Disk with CHG, Disk with Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG), DRSG Biopatch 1IN NS, VPN: 10150;
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1162-2023·2023-03-01

    Medline Sterile Maximum Barrier Pack-LF units recalled for sterilization failure

    Medline Industries recalls approximately 720 Sterile Maximum Barrier Pack-LF units due to improper component placement preventing sterilization. The affected packs were distributed in Arkansas, Colorado, and Georgia.

    Product
    (1) Medline Sterile Maximum Barrier Pack-LF, Item DYNJ0248546C, 6 kits per case, contains BD Chloraprep Hi-Lite Orange, 10.5 mL Applicator, Vendor PN: 930715NS; (2) Medline Sterile Maximum Barrier Pack-LF, Item DYNJ0248546D, 6 kits per case, contains BD Chloraprep Hi-Lite Oran
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-1077-2023·2023-02-15

    Sterile Surgical Trays Recalled for Blade Puncture of Packaging

    Medline Industries is recalling sterile surgical trays used in plastic and reconstructive surgery because blades within the kits can puncture the outer foil packaging, potentially compromising sterility. Approximately 15,009 units were distributed nationwide and internationally.

    Product
    Sterile Procedural Trays, labeled as the following: a. BREAST AUGMENTATION b. BREAST REDUCTION CDS c. CUH ABDOMINOPLASTY CDS d. ACH PLASTICS BREAST-LF e. NE BREAST RECON CDS f. PLASTIC SURGERY CDS g. MINOR PLASTIC CDS h. GROTH BREAST CDS i. BREAST ABD j. MINOR/U-BAR
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0778-2023·2023-01-11

    Steris Biological Indicator Lot May Fail to Detect Inadequate Sterilization

    Steris Corporation is recalling 338 boxes of VERIFY Dual Species Biological Indicators (Lot #230613) because some units fail to promote spore growth as intended, risking false-negative sterilization test results.

    Product
    VERIFY Dual Species Self-Contained Biological Indicators, 50 per box Item Number: S3060 Intended for use in installation testing and routine monitoring of steam and ethylene oxide sterilization processes
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    Distributed nationwide
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0772-2023·2023-01-04

    Pilling Wecksorb Cylindrical Sponges recalled due to compromised sterility

    TELEFLEX LLC recalled 1,000 units of Pilling Wecksorb Cylindrical Sponges (Lot 22B0395) because certain lots were not irradiated to eliminate pyronema, potentially compromising sterility. No illnesses have been reported.

    Product
    Pilling Wecksorb Cylindrical Sponges
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    4 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0213-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion Genesis Sterilization Containers Fail Validation Testing

    CareFusion GENESIS sterilization containers have failed aerosol challenge testing for STERRAD sterilization validation. The recall affects 451 units distributed in the US and 17 other countries.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS FULL-LENGTH CONTAINER 23 X12" (58.4 X 30.5CM) 5" (12.7CM) DEEP STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD3-5ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0209-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion sterilization containers fail aerosol challenge testing

    CareFusion GENESIS sterilization containers have not consistently met aerosol challenge testing requirements. The FDA is recalling 510 units to prevent potential sterilization failures.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS MID-LENGTH CONTAINER 19X12" (48.3 X 30.5CM) 5" (12.7CM) DEEP STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD2-5ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0210-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion Genesis sterilization containers recalled for failed sterility testing

    CareFusion Genesis reusable sterilization containers are recalled after failing aerosol challenge testing requirements. No illnesses or injuries have been reported.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS MID-LENGTH CONTAINER 19X12" (48.3 X 30.5CM) 6" (15.2CM) DEEP STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD2-6ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0219-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion Genesis sterilization containers fail aerosol challenge test requirements

    CareFusion Genesis reusable sterilization containers have not consistently passed aerosol challenge testing, which verifies their ability to properly sterilize medical instruments. Approximately 537 units were distributed internationally.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS LARGE, CONTAINER 28 X 11" (71.1 X 27.9CM) 6" (15.2CM) DEEP, PERFORATED STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD5-61ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0206-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion GENESIS Sterilization Containers Fail Aerosol Challenge Testing

    CareFusion GENESIS sterilization containers have not consistently met aerosol challenge testing requirements. Approximately 1,132 units distributed to healthcare facilities in the U.S. and internationally are affected.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS HALF-LENGTH CONTAINER 11X12" (27.9 X 30.5CM) 5" (12.7CM) DEEP STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD1-5ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0207-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion Genesis Sterilization Containers Fail Required Aerosol Challenge Testing

    CareFusion Genesis sterilization containers failed to meet aerosol challenge testing requirements and may not properly sterilize medical instruments.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS HALF-LENGTH CONTAINER 11X12" (27.9 X 30.5CM) 6" (15.2CM) DEEP STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD1-6ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0212-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion Genesis Sterile Containers Recalled for Failed Sterilization Validation Testing

    CareFusion is recalling 308 units of Genesis sterilization containers that failed aerosol challenge testing required to ensure proper sterilization of surgical instruments. The containers were distributed in the US and multiple countries.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS FULL-LENGTH CONTAINER 23 X12" (58.4 X 30.5CM) 4" (10CM) DEEP STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD3-4ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states
  • HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0204-2023·2022-11-23

    CareFusion Sterilization Containers Fail Aerosol Challenge Testing

    CareFusion Genesis sterilization containers failed required aerosol challenge testing. The 1,143 affected units may not adequately sterilize surgical instruments.

    Product
    CareFusion V.Mueller GENESIS QTR-LENGTH CONTAINER 12 X 8" (30.3X20.3CM) 4" (10.2CM) DEEP STERRAD COMPATIBLE, REF CD0-4ST
    Category
    Medical Device
    Distribution
    0 states