Washington DC – Walmart has about 3,900 Better Homes & Gardens brand essential oils infused with gemstone aromatherapy room spray The two bottles contain a rare and dangerous bacteria that can cause serious injury or death and are sold in six different scents.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tested versions of this product and found them to contain dangerous bacteria. Burkholderia pseudomallei This causes melioidosis. The CDC is investigating four cases of melioidosis in the United States, including two deaths, reported in Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia, including two deaths in children.
The presence of these dangerous bacteria was found in samples taken by the CDC from a bottle of Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy Room Spray (Gemstone Lavender & Chamomile Scent) found in the Georgia victim’s home. Further testing by the CDC found that the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria in the bottle matched that of the bacteria identified in the four patients, allowing the CDC to confirm that the spray or one of its ingredients was the cause of the four melioidosis infections.
The aromatherapy room sprays were sold from February 2021 through October 2021 at approximately 55 Walmart stores nationwide and online at walmart.com for approximately $4. The 5-ounce glass bottles have “Better Homes and Gardens Aromatherapy” printed on the front label. The aromatherapy room sprays were sold with a pump spray nozzle in the following scents and product numbers:
84140411420 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Lavender & Chamomile
84140411421 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy Room Spray Gemstone Lemon & Mandarin
84140411422 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy Room Spray with Gemstones Lavender
84140411423 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy Room Spray Gemstone Peppermint
84140411424 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy Room Spray Gemstone Lime & Eucalyptus
84140411425 Better Homes and Gardens Essential Oil Aromatherapy Room Spray Gemstone Sandalwood & Vanilla
Walmart has discontinued the product, which was made in India..
In accordance with CDC guidance, consumers are encouraged to:
- Immediately discontinue use of this product. Do not open bottle. Do not throw away or dispose of bottle.
- Double bag the bottle Clean, clear, resealable zipper bags Place them in a small cardboard box and return the bagged/boxed items to a Walmart store.
- Any sheets or linens that may have been sprayed with the product should be washed with regular laundry detergent and dried thoroughly in a hot dryer, and bleach can be used if necessary.
- Wipe down any counters or surfaces that may have been sprayed with undiluted disinfectant cleaner.
- Minimize product handling and wash hands thoroughly after handling bottles or linens. Wash hands thoroughly after removing gloves.
See the CDC press release here.
