The Recall Desk
ModerateFDA (Devices)·Z-2342-2017·Announced 2017-06-21

Biomerieux Recalls VITEK 2 Gram-Positive Identification Cards Due to Moisture Risk

Biomerieux Inc is recalling VITEK 2 Gram-Positive identification cards because container integrity issues may expose the product to moisture, potentially causing antibiotic degradation.

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, and the hazard involves potential loss of potency due to moisture exposure without reports of serious injury or death, fitting the criteria for a moderate severity voluntary precautionary recall.

Plain-English summary

Biomerieux Inc is voluntarily recalling 70,261 cartons of VITEK 2 Gram-Positive identification cards (GP), REF 21342. The recall was initiated because the integrity of the product container may be compromised, which could expose the product to moisture. This exposure may lead to antibiotic degradation and a loss of potency in the identification cards.

The affected product was distributed nationwide in the United States, including to military and government sites. The product was also distributed to numerous international locations, including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and various countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The recall covers specific lot numbers with expiration dates ranging from May 2018 to September 2018.

Healthcare facilities and distributors should stop using the affected product and contact Biomerieux Inc for instructions on return or disposal. Consumers are not directly affected as this is an in vitro diagnostic (IVD) product used in clinical laboratories.

The recalled product

Product
VITEK 2 Gram-Positive identification card (GP), IVD, REF 21342, 20 cards per carton.
Manufacturer
Biomerieux Inc
Affected units
70,261

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

The notice also names 1 state specifically:

Part of a larger recall action

This product is one of 187 recalled by Biomerieux 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 187 products in this recall →