The Recall Desk
HighFDA (Devices)·Z-0837-2025·Announced 2025-01-22

Karl Storz Biopsy and Grasping Forceps Recalled Due to Sterility Validation Failure

Karl Storz Endoscopy is recalling 285 units of optical biopsy and grasping forceps (REF 723400) distributed across 31 US states due to failure of manual cleaning validation, which compromises sterility assurance.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: FDA Class II medical device; sterility validation failure on invasive surgical instruments poses risk of contamination and infection. No illnesses, injuries, or deaths have been reported. Per rubric, Class II without hospitalization reports and theoretical hazard rates at most High (3).

Plain-English summary

Karl Storz Endoscopy is recalling optical biopsy and grasping forceps (model REF 723400) due to a failure in manual cleaning validation that compromises sterility assurance. The recall affects 285 units distributed across 31 US states.

These forceps are invasive surgical instruments used in medical procedures. The failure of cleaning validation means the instruments may not meet required sterility standards, creating a potential risk of contamination during use.

Affected healthcare facilities should stop using this product immediately and contact Karl Storz Endoscopy for replacement or proper handling instructions. The recall is overseen by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a Class II device recall.

The recalled product

Product
Karl Storz - Endoskope - REF 723400 - Optical Biopsy and Grasping Forceps, CE
Manufacturer
Karl Storz Endoscopy
Hazard
  • sterilization-failure
  • contamination-risk

Distribution

Distributed in 32 states:

  • AR
  • AZ
  • CA
  • CO
  • CT
  • FL
  • GA
  • HI
  • IA
  • ID
  • IL
  • IN
  • KY
  • LA
  • MA
  • MD
  • MI
  • MN
  • MO
  • MS
  • MT
  • NC
  • NE
  • NJ
  • NM
  • NY
  • OH
  • OR
  • PA
  • SC
  • TX
  • VA