The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Drugs)·D-0137-2025·Announced 2024-12-25

Benzocaine Topical Anesthetic Recalled for Manufacturing Equipment Defect

Gelato Benzocaine 20% topical anesthetic (Lot BNZ-001646) is recalled due to scratches found in the mixing vessel during manufacturing. The defective product was inadvertently released despite quality control rejection, though no illnesses have been reported.

What this means for you

Minor labeling or packaging issue, or a voluntary precautionary recall. Risk of harm is low but real — follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Our severity reasoning: This is an FDA Class II recall driven by a manufacturing quality control deviation (equipment damage) rather than confirmed product contamination or reported illnesses. The hazard is potential rather than demonstrated, fitting the category of precautionary recalls due to manufacturing defects.

Plain-English summary

Keystone Industries is recalling Gelato Benzocaine 20% Topical Gel Anesthetic, Net Wt. 1 oz. (30ml), NDC# 68400-352-30, Lot BNZ-001646, with expiration date 11/26/2026. This is an over-the-counter topical anesthetic gel used for dental and oral applications.

During routine manufacturing inspection, the Quality Unit identified scratches on the sides and bottom of the mixing vessel used to produce this lot. The defective product was rejected by the Quality Unit but was inadvertently released and shipped to customers despite the rejection decision. This represents a deviation from Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) standards.

The product was distributed nationwide in the United States and Canada, as well as to the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, and Qatar. Consumers and healthcare providers who received this lot should stop using the product.

Consumers and healthcare providers with this product should discontinue use, contact Keystone Industries for return instructions, or consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for questions.

The recalled product

Product
GELATO TOPICAL ANESTHETIC (BENZOCAINE)
Brand
GELATO TOPICAL ANESTHETIC
Manufacturer
Keystone Industries
Hazard
  • manufacturing-defect
  • contamination-risk

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Lot numbers (3)

  • Lot: BNZ-001646
  • Exp Date: 11/26/2026
  • Keystone item No. 03-02319

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.