The Recall Desk
LowFDA (Devices)·Z-0071-2019·Announced 2018-10-10

Smiths Medical Nasal Cannula Recalled for Transposed Date Labels

Smiths Medical ASD Inc. is recalling 12,000 First Breath Adult Nasal Cannulas because the 'Manufactured' and 'Use By' labels are transposed, incorrectly suggesting the product expired before it was manufactured.

What this means for you

Cosmetic or documentation issue. No expected health impact, but the manufacturer is correcting the affected products.

Our severity reasoning: The recall is classified as FDA Class III, which by definition is unlikely to cause adverse health consequences. The issue is a documentation and labeling error rather than a physical defect or contamination.

Plain-English summary

Smiths Medical ASD Inc. is recalling 12,000 units of the Portex First Breath Adult Nasal Cannula, REF 001283. The affected devices feature non-flared tips, 213 cm (7 ft.) tubing, and an over-the-ear style. These devices are used for the administration of nasal oxygen and humidity to patients.

The recall was initiated because the 'Manufactured' and 'Use By' labels on the product are transposed incorrectly. This labeling error suggests that the product expires before it was manufactured. The affected lot numbers are 1703221A and 1705111A.

The devices were distributed worldwide, including nationwide in the United States in the states of AR, CA, GA, IN, LA, OK, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NV, SC, TX, VA, and WV. Distribution also included government channels and foreign distribution to Poland and Russia. No military distribution occurred.

Consumers and healthcare facilities should stop using the affected devices and contact Smiths Medical ASD Inc. for further instructions.

The recalled product

Product
smiths medical portex First Breath Adult Nasal Cannula, REF 001283, Non-flared Tips, 213 cm (7 ft.) Tubing, Over-the-Ear Style. Product Usage: For the administration of nasal oxygen and humidity to patients.
Affected units
12,000

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 (1)

  • Lot numbers 1703221A and 1705111A

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 15 states specifically:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 5 recalled by Smiths Medical ASD Inc. under a single FDA (Devices) recall action. The agency files each product separately, so the size of the action is not visible from this page alone.

See all 5 products in this recall →

Same manufacturer · Smiths Medical ASD Inc.

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