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FORT WORTH, Texas--Alcon Laboratories, a subsidiary of Alcon (NYSE:ACL) announced a voluntary recall of Systane Free LIQUID GEL lubricant eye drops, in response to 11 consumer reports citing the presence of foreign material. This product is distributed only in the U.S, including Puerto Rico. No other formulations of Systane lubricant eye drops are included in this recall.

Alcon has distributed over 5 million bottles of Systane Free LIQUID GEL since its introduction in January 2006. The company estimates that the pre-tax cost of the recall will be in the range of $8 million to $10 million. The company also said that the removal will not have a material impact on its projected sales or profits in 2007.

After testing particles from the opened, partially used bottles that were returned to Alcon, the company identified the foreign material as mold. However, because of the characteristics of these molds, the development of an infection is considered unlikely. In fact, Alcon has received no reports of fungal infections associated with the 11 reports.

The company is taking this action to voluntarily recall Systane because eye drops that become contaminated after opening the bottle may cause eye infections. Alcon has notified the Food and Drug Administration of the recall. Based on testing and analysis, Alcon has determined that the cause of the product problem is the specific formulation of the product, and is not the result of any manufacturing processes.

Annual sales of Systane Free LIQUID GEL account for less than 10 percent of Alcon's sales of artificial tears in the U.S. and Puerto Rico and less than two tenths of one percent of Alcon's total global sales.

If you or a loved one experiences a problem due to Alcon"s Systane Free LIQUID GEL Eye Drops, contact Bagolie Friedman Injury Lawyers for a confidential and free consultation. Call toll free 1-866-333-3529.

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