Sparta, New Jersey, September 15, 2026
For the second time within the past year, MPL Laboratories, an FDA-registered, cGMP-compliant, and ISO 17025-accredited laboratory specializing in microbial and sterility testing for pharmaceuticals, OTC drugs, cosmetics, personal care products, and consumer goods, is drawing attention to another ophthalmic product recall tied to potential sterility concerns.
Health Canada recently announced the recall of certain lots of Erythromycin Ophthalmic Ointment USP after identifying that the product’s sterility “could be compromised.” Because ophthalmic medications are applied directly to the eyes, they must meet exceptionally strict quality and purity standards. Even low levels of microbial contamination can lead to irritation, infection, or more severe health complications. Regulatory agencies worldwide continue to identify sterility as a critical quality requirement for all ocular drug products.
Ensuring sterility throughout the manufacturing process remains a significant challenge for pharmaceutical producers. Despite advanced aseptic controls and quality systems, contamination risks can still arise during formulation, filling, packaging, sealing, storage, or distribution. As recalls related to sterility failures continue to impact the healthcare and consumer product industries, many manufacturers are turning to independent analytical laboratories to strengthen internal quality assurance programs and verify product safety prior to market release.
MPL Laboratories partners with manufacturers, importers, and distributors to help identify contaminated, compromised, or non-compliant products before they reach consumers. Using advanced instrumentation and accredited microbiological testing methods, the laboratory can detect a broad range of microorganisms and contaminants across numerous product categories. All analyses are conducted at MPL’s modern testing facility, helping clients enhance product safety, maintain regulatory compliance, protect brand integrity, and reduce the financial and legal risks associated with product recalls.
For more information about microbial, sterility, and other testing services offered by MPL Laboratories, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874, or email info@MPLLaboratories.com.
About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA, and DEA registered. MPL’s staff includes a Ph.D. Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, along with other dedicated scientific personnel. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care product industries. MPL strives to provide its clients with reliable, defensible test data delivered in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of laboratories across the United States and Canada.
