The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has announced a recall for a batch of ChloraPrep 1mL Clear Sterile Solution/Applicator (Becton Dickinson UK Ltd) after packaging defects raised concerns about potential contamination.

Drug Alert EL(25)A/36 was issued by MHRA following notification by the manufacturer that some units of the batch exhibit an open seal on the packaging, increasing the risk of pathogen contamination. This follows a related previous alert, EL(25)A/22 in May.

The recall of the product – which is used for preoperative skin preparation – affects batch number 4255106 (expiry date 30/09/2027), distributed from 10 March 2025, with pack size of 60 units.

The number of defective units is unknown, so the batch is being recalled as a precautionary measure, the MHRA said.

Other batches of BD ChloraPrep Clear 1mL Applicator are unaffected and remain available.

Pharmacists have been advised to stop supplying the affected batch immediately, quarantine any remaining stock, and return it to suppliers using their approved process.

‘No further action is required by patients as this product is used by healthcare professionals only and they will have taken the action to remove this product from use,’ the alert said.

‘The recall is a precautionary measure to mitigate any additional risk of infection.’