Fake eye drops, some laced with bacteria, are showing up on store shelves. The FDA has flagged several counterfeit eye drop products found in Florida and Georgia — with possible spread to Louisiana, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Two of the fakes tested positive for bacterial contamination, and consumers are urged to stop using them immediately and seek medical care if they notice signs of eye infection.
Fake eye drops are making their way onto U.S. store shelves — and some are contaminated with bacteria.
The FDA has issued a warning about multiple counterfeit eye drop products discovered in stores, primarily those serving Spanish-speaking communities in Florida and Georgia. The fakes may also be circulating in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and beyond. Testing revealed that two of the counterfeit products are contaminated with bacteria — one with Staphylococcus and another with an unconfirmed bacterial strain — posing a serious risk of eye infection to unsuspecting consumers.
Spotting the fakes requires a close look at the packaging. Counterfeit versions typically lack a drug facts panel, display all information in Spanish only, and feature colored caps (red or blue) instead of the white caps on genuine products. All flagged counterfeits share suspicious lot numbers and expiration dates of late 2030.
Quick Facts:
Why it matters: Contaminated eye drops can cause serious infections, including bacterial keratitis, which can threaten vision. Consumers should check their eye drops carefully, report suspicious products to store managers, and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs of eye infection.
