Severity
Moderate
ModerateClass IITerminated
FDA Drug recall · Reported January 13, 2021
Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) 1.5g per vial for injection, Single-Dose vial, Rx only, Manuf. for: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., NDC 67919-030-01
Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specification. Five of these batches tested positive for Ralstonia pickettii…
Merck Sharp & Dohme recalled Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) 1.5g per vial for injection, Single-Dose vial, Rx on… — a moderate-severity action.
Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) 1.5g per vial for injection, Single-Dose vial, Rx on… was recalled by Merck Sharp & Dohme in January 13, 2021. Reason: Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specif…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #D-0176-2021 with the FDA Drug before acting.
The recall
Merck Sharp & Dohme issued this moderate-severity FDA Drug recall — Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specif….
- Moderate
- severity level
- Class II
- classification
- January 13, 2021
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Drug enforcement records. Verify recall #D-0176-2021 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This FDA Drug action (record #D-0176-2021) was formally reported on January 13, 2021, with the manufacturer initiating the action on December 21, 2020. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Merck Sharp & Dohme is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Rahway, NJ. Federal records list the affected scope as 106,503 vials.
The documented reason for this recall is: Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specification. Five of these batches tested positive for Ralstonia pickettii and two batches produced turbid results… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: U.S.A. Nationwide. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls — clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Food recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category — 25,414 food recalls on record
Where this recall sits in the database
Of 100,165 recalls in the database, 23,668 are high severity, 72,097 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger — we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
106,503 vials
Related Recalls
6
0 from same agency
Product description
Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) 1.5g per vial for injection, Single-Dose vial, Rx only, Manuf. for: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., NDC 67919-030-01
Reason for recall
Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specification. Five of these batches tested positive for Ralstonia pickettii and two batches produced turbid results that could not be further identified. While all product distributed to the market has met the registered specifications for release, including for sterility, it was manufactured on the same equipment as the affected batches.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | D-0176-2021 |
| Date reported | January 13, 2021 |
| Date initiated | December 21, 2020 |
| Recalling firm | Merck Sharp & Dohme |
| Firm location | Rahway, NJ |
| Affected scope | 106,503 vials |
| Distribution | U.S.A. Nationwide |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Drug enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What to do with this recall
Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.
- Check the recall number (D-0176-2021) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status with FDA Drug before acting — recall details can be updated.
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official FDA Drug record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Zerbaxa (ceftolozane and tazobactam) 1.5g per vial for injection, Single-Dose vial, Rx only, Manuf. for: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., NDC 67919-030-01. Recalled by Merck Sharp & Dohme. Units affected: 106,503 vials.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
Lack of assurance of sterility: The results of sterility tests of seven batches of product were out of specification. Five of these batches tested positive for Ralstonia pickettii and two batches produced turbid results that could not be further identified. While all product distributed to the market has met the registered specifications for release, including for sterility, it was manufactured on the same equipment as the affected batches.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Drug on January 13, 2021. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: D-0176-2021.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: U.S.A. Nationwide.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (D-0176-2021) against your product. Visit the official FDA Drug website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device? ▼
Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.
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Data Sources
Source: FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA federal recall databases. This recall: FDA Drug, reported January 13, 2021.
- Source: FDA — Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Enforcement API (food, drug, and medical device recalls)
- Source: CPSC — Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls API (consumer product recalls and hazards)
- Source: NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls API (vehicle safety recalls)
Recall information is sourced from official federal agency databases. Always verify recall details with the issuing agency for the most current status. This information is for research and awareness purposes only.
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records — no number is typed in by an editor. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of June 2026.