Teethers sold both at retail outlets and on the Internet under the product names of Nuby Gel Filled, Cottontails and Playschool have been recalled July 18 by manufacturer Luv N’Care and the Food and Drug Administration because of bacteria contamination.

The firm recalled the products after learning that samples of two lots collected by FDA were found to contain Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus circulans in the gel. These bacteria generally do not cause illness, but bacteria can affect children with weakened immune systems, causing stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, if the teether is punctured and the liquid from the teether is ingested.

Product was distributed through retail outlets nationwide and has been found to be marketed on the internet. The products are packaged in a plastic bubble on a printed card and can be identified by the UPC Codes listed.

Consumers who have Nuby Gel Filled Teethers and Cottontails and Playschool Teethers with any of the UPC Codes listed should immediately stop using them, discard them or return them to the place of purchase.

Nuby UPC codes: 48526-00451, 48526-00452, 48526-00453, 48526-00454, 48526-00455, 48526-00459, 48526-00467, 48526-00472, 48526-00473, 48526-00482, 48526-00483, 48526-00487, 48526-00490, 48526-00519, 48526-00521, Cottontails UPC codes: 41520-87115, 41520-91660

Playschool UPC codes: 50428-91511

No illnesses have been reported to date. The company has ceased product and distribution of the products and is notifying its distributors to return the product. Consumers are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-800-256-2399 ext. 3106 between 8 a.m. and  5 p.m. Central time.

Adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm

Regular Mail: use postage-paid FDA form 3500 available at: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm.
Mail to MedWatch 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787

Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178