Nationwide Class Action Filed Over Contaminated Eye Drops
Consumers across the United States have filed a nationwide class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma eye drops, alleging that contaminated products caused permanent vision damage, blindness, and in some cases, death. The eye drops were found to contain drug-resistant bacteria, prompting an urgent recall and FDA warning earlier this year.
According to the lawsuit, dozens of individuals suffered severe eye infections after using the over-the-counter lubricating drops. Lab tests revealed the presence of a rare strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to multiple antibiotics. This strain had never been previously detected in the U.S., raising concerns about lax manufacturing controls and international ingredient sourcing.
Plaintiffs allege that Global Pharma Healthcare, the Indian-based manufacturer, and the U.S. distributors failed to implement adequate quality control and sterility procedures in their production facilities. The complaint also accuses the companies of negligence, breach of warranty, and failure to warn consumers about potential contamination risks.
The class action includes claims from over 70 individuals in 16 states. One plaintiff, a 68-year-old woman in California, lost vision in one eye and underwent emergency surgery after developing a bacterial corneal ulcer. Another plaintiff in Texas reportedly died from a systemic infection linked to the contaminated drops.
The CDC and FDA issued public alerts and urged healthcare providers to stop distributing the products. Investigations revealed poor sterilization practices at the overseas facility and inadequate microbial testing before distribution. In response, the FDA placed Global Pharma Healthcare on its import alert list, effectively barring further shipments.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that this case represents a catastrophic failure in both manufacturing oversight and product distribution. “Consumers trusted these companies with their health,” one lawyer said. “Now many are permanently disabled because of a preventable lapse in safety.”
Legal experts say this case could reshape how liability is assigned in pharmaceutical supply chains, especially with an increasing number of U.S. drugs and medical products sourced internationally. If the plaintiffs succeed, it may trigger stricter import controls and regulatory reforms.
Representatives for the manufacturers have declined to comment on the lawsuit, though internal audits reportedly show lapses in both documentation and cleanliness standards.
For affected individuals, the legal case offers a chance at compensation—but also aims to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for ensuring product safety. The class action is expected to proceed in federal court later this year.
