The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Devices)·Z-0631-2015·Announced 2014-12-24

Stryker Pennington Forceps Recalled Due to Sterilization Instructions Error

Stryker Endoscopy is recalling 180,573 Pennington Forceps units because the instructions for use do not support specific sterilization methods.

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: The recall is classified as FDA Class II, but the source text does not report any hospitalizations, injuries, or illnesses. The hazard is a documentation error regarding sterilization parameters, which fits the criteria for a moderate severity recall involving low-risk contamination or labeling/documentation issues without reported harm.

Plain-English summary

Stryker Endoscopy is recalling 180,573 units of Pennington Forceps (P/N 0250080242) due to an error in the Instructions for Use (IFU 1000-401-070 Revision G or prior). The parameters provided in the IFU do not support the unwrapped Gravity cycle and the Ethylene Oxide cycle sterilization methods. These laparoscopic manual instruments are intended for cutting, holding, grasping, and manipulating tissue and organs during surgery.

The affected products were distributed worldwide, including nationwide in the United States and internationally to numerous countries such as Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Japan. The recall is classified as Class II by the FDA. No specific illnesses or injuries are reported in the source text, but the incorrect sterilization instructions could impact the safety of the devices if used with unsupported methods.

Healthcare facilities and distributors should stop using the affected Pennington Forceps and contact Stryker Endoscopy for further instructions on how to proceed. Users should verify the lot numbers against the list provided in the official recall notice to determine if their inventory is affected.

The recalled product

Product
PKG, PENNINGTON FORCEPS, P/N 0250080242. Laparoscopic Manual Instruments are intended for cutting, holding, grasping and manipulating of tissue, organs, organ areas and surgical auxiliaries such as suturing material. Some instruments have radio frequency (RF) ports which allow
Manufacturer
Stryker Endoscopy
Affected units
180,573

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 2 states specifically:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 207 recalled by Stryker Endoscopy 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 207 products in this recall →