HIGH

ARTIFICIAL TEARS Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops Recalled in 2026 Over Sterility Concerns

More than 1.02 million bottles of Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops across multiple brands were recalled nationwide on March 3, 2026. The products were distributed by KC Pharmaceuticals and sold at retailers including Rite Aid, Meijer and H-E-B. The FDA notice cites a lack of assurance of sterility as the reason for the recall. Stop using these products immediately and contact KC Pharmaceuticals for next‑s

Quick Facts at a Glance

Recall Date
March 3, 2026
Hazard Level
HIGH
Brands
ARTIFICIAL TEARS, RITE AID EYE DROPS DRY EYE RELIEF, LEADER DRY EYE RELIEF EYE DROPS...
Category
Health & Personal Care
Sold At
Multiple Retailers
Geographic Scope
1 states
At-Risk Groups
GENERAL

Hazard Information

Lack of Assurance of Sterility

What You Should Do

Consumers and healthcare providers should stop using this product immediately. Contact K.C. Pharmaceuticals, Inc or your healthcare provider for guidance. Notification method: E-Mail

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About This Product

Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops are marketed as artificial tears to lubricate the eye. The recall encompasses multiple brand names and distributors with nationwide distribution.

Why This Is Dangerous

A lack of sterility can lead to eye infections or other ocular harm; users should avoid continued use and seek guidance from a clinician.

Industry Context

This recall is not described as part of a broader industry pattern in the provided notice.

Real-World Impact

Consumers face potential eye infections when using sterile-sensitive ophthalmic products. The recall involves a large quantity and widespread retailers, necessitating prompt action.

Practical Guidance

How to identify if yours is affected

  1. 1. Locate the bottle lot number on the packaging (LT24E01, LT24E02, LT24E03, LT24F01, LT24G01, LT24M01, LT24M02).
  2. 2. Compare against the recalled lots in the FDA notice.
  3. 3. Check the UPC or NDC printed on the bottle or packaging to confirm brand and lot.
  4. 4. If your bottle matches a recalled lot, stop using immediately and contact KC Pharmaceuticals for guidance.
  5. 5. If you cannot identify the lot, err on the side of caution and discontinue use.

Where to find product info

Official recall information is available on the FDA enforcement notice linked in the recall summary. Additional details may be on retailer recall notices.

What timeline to expect

Refunds or replacements, if offered, typically take 4-6 weeks after a claim is submitted.

If the manufacturer is unresponsive

  • Document all communications with the company.
  • File a complaint with the FDA or CPSC if the company is unresponsive.
  • Consult a lawyer if you experience an eye infection or other injury.

How to prevent similar issues

  • Check expiration dates and batch numbers before purchase.
  • Purchase eye drops from reputable retailers with clear lot information.
  • Be cautious with generic or store-brand products that list multiple distributors.
  • Look for FDA recall notices before using any over-the-counter ophthalmic products.

Documentation advice

Keep the recall notice, bottle packaging, lot numbers, and all correspondence with the company and healthcare providers for records.

Product Details

1,023,096 bottles recalled nationwide. Distributed by KC Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and sold under multiple brand names (ARTIFICIAL TEARS, RITE AID EYE DROPS DRY EYE RELIEF, LEADER DRY EYE RELIEF EYE DROPS, FOSTER AND THRIVE ADVANCED RELIEF EYE DROPS, MEIJER DRY EYE RELIEF, and others). 0.5 FL OZ (15 mL) bottles. NDCs and UPCs vary by brand. The recall covers lots LT24E01, LT24E02, LT24E03, LT24F01, LT24G01, LT24M01, LT24M02 with expirations through 2026 (05/31/26 to 10/31/26). Nationwide distribution in the United States.

Reported Incidents

No injuries or incidents have been reported.

Key Facts

  • 1,023,096 bottles recalled nationwide
  • Brands include ARTIFICIAL TEARS, RITE AID EYE DROPS DRY EYE RELIEF, LEADER DRY EYE RELIEF EYE DROPS,
  • FOSTER AND THRIVE ADVANCED RELIEF EYE DROPS, MEIJER DRY EYE RELIEF
  • Lot numbers LT24E01 LT24E02 LT24E03 LT24F01 LT24G01 LT24M01 LT24M02
  • Expiration dates through 05/31/26 to 10/31/26
  • NDCs and UPCs listed per brand

Safety Guide

Not sure what to do next? Our guide walks you through the process step by step.

Read: What to Do When You Find a Recalled Product

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Safety Assessment

Risk LevelHIGH
Severity Score
9/ 10
Affected Groups
GENERAL
Injury Types
OTHER

Product Details

Model Numbers
LT24E01
LT24E02
LT24E03
LT24F01
LT24G01
+2 more
UPC Codes
57896-181
11822-1067
70000-0502
+10 more
Affected States
ALL
Report Date
April 8, 2026
Source Agency
FDA - Drug Safety
Recall Status
ACTIVE

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