Savacol antiseptic mouth & throat rinse alcohol free

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advises that all batches of Savacol Antiseptic Mouth & Throat Rinse alcohol free chlorhexidine gluconate 2 mg/mL mouthwash are being recalled. Labels of the product carry the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) number AUST R: 159649.

This recall is being conducted because some samples of the product have been found to contain bacterial contamination. As a precaution, you should stop using this product.

You can identify contaminated bottles of Savacol Antiseptic Mouth & Throat Rinse by:

• Changed colouring
• The appearance of white flecks in the product
• Altered smell
• Different taste.

All bottles should be returned to Colgate-Palmolive no matter how the product appears.

Information for consumers

• The bacterial contamination is unlikely to harm healthy people, but those with lowered immunity or long term lung problems such as cystic fibrosis may be at risk of chest infection.
• You should contact Colgate's Consumer Information Service on 1800 636 551 or at http://www.colgate.com.au/app/Colgate/AU/HomePage.cvsp or email consumers_aunz@colpal.com to arrange the return of the product and a refund.
• If you have any concerns about your health after using this product you should contact your health practitioner.

Additional information

• The supply of this product will cease until the cause of the problem is detected and steps are taken to prevent a recurrence.
• TGA has verified that no other therapeutic products supplied in Australia are affected by the contamination including other Colgate-Palmolive Savacol products.
• Savacol Antiseptic Mouth & Throat Rinse was used to reduce dental plaque, the incidence of gingivitis and to relieve the discomfort of mouth ulcers.
• The contaminating bacteria are Burkholderia cepacia and B. stabilis.
• Colgate-Palmolive will advertise this issue in major daily newspapers from Friday 4 November 2011.