Top 2023 Product Recalls So Far

Product recalls are necessary to safeguard consumers from potential harm and ensure their well-being, as stated from our Philadelphia product liability attorney. They are typically initiated when a product is found to have a defect, poses a safety risk, or fails to meet regulatory standards. The top product recalls 2023 has seen so far include the following. 

Ozempic or Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is currently approved under three brand names: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. However, both Ozempic and Wegovy continue to be listed on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Drug Shortages list. As a result, consumers are purchasing compounded forms of semaglutide from online pharmacies that lack the proven safety and efficacy of Ozempic or Wegovy. High levels of sodium in the body can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Therefore, the FDA has issued a warning that patients should only obtain drugs containing semaglutide with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. In addition, the medications should come from a state-licensed pharmacy or outsourcing facility registered with FDA.

Baby Shark Toys

In June 2023, toy maker Zuru recalled 7.5 million Robo Alive Junior Baby Shark bath toys. When using the toys, the hard plastic top fin of the shark can impale, puncture, or cut a child if they were to slip and fall or sit on the products. So far, 12 children have reportedly suffered injuries. 

Kia

Almost 99,000 Kia Sportage SUVs have been recalled. More specifically, 2023 Kia Sportage Vehicles manufactured in the Kia Georgia plant between January 12, 2022, and February 15, 2023, have an issue with the brake booster diaphragm. The brake booster diaphragm can become misaligned, making it more challenging to brake and increasing the risk of a crash. 

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms distributed by Utopia Foods, Inc. were recalled nationwide due to a Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. Five people were hospitalized in four states throughout the U.S., but the number of people affected by the outbreak was likely much higher. Enoki mushrooms are becoming an increasing concern for public health officials as more than 20 recalls have been issued due to potential Listeria contamination since 2020. 

EzriCare Eye Products

EzriCare Artificial Tears and two additional products made by the same manufacturer, Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Ointment, have been recalled due to an outbreak of highly drug-resistant bacterial infections. As of May, 81 patients have been infected. Of those, 14 were blinded, four had to have their eyes surgically removed, and four more died. 

FreeStyle Libre Glucose Monitors

Over four million glucose monitor products have been recalled by the FDA. Abbott, the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitor manufacturer, initiated a voluntary medical device correction after reports that the readers’ lithium-ion batteries swelled, overheated, and, in some cases, generated sparks or even caused a fire. Unlike other recalls in which customers are told to dispose of or return an item, the correction instructs users that they can continue using their devices but to use the equipment provided to recharge the device. The yellow USB cable that Abbott provides with the equipment limits the electric current to charge the battery safely.

Datascope Heart Balloon Pumps

Datascope, a subsidiary of Getinge, has recalled more than 2,000 heart balloons. The coiled cable connecting the display and base on some Cardiosave Hybrid Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABPs) and Rescue IABPs can fail, causing an unexpected shutdown. This shutdown will occur without warnings or alarms to alert the patient. 

An unexpected pump shutdown and any interruption to therapy can lead to unstable blood flow (hemodynamic instability), organ damage, and/or death. People who are critically ill and most likely to receive therapy using these devices are at the highest risk of injury or death.