Understanding the 2022 Recall: Why did CVS stop selling magnesium citrate?

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

In a significant safety event, a nationwide recall of liquid magnesium citrate saline laxative was initiated by its manufacturer, Vi-Jon, LLC, in mid-2022. This recall directly answers the question: Why did CVS stop selling magnesium citrate?

Quick Summary

The removal of liquid magnesium citrate from CVS shelves was caused by a 2022 recall following microbial contamination with Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens. This posed a risk, especially to immunocompromised individuals.

Key Points

Microbial Contamination: The liquid magnesium citrate saline laxative was recalled in 2022 due to the presence of Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens, a bacterium identified by the manufacturer Vi-Jon, LLC.
Voluntary Recall: The recall was voluntary and initiated by the manufacturer, not a direct order from the FDA, though the FDA publicized the announcement.
Risk to Immunocompromised Individuals: The contamination posed a specific, severe health risk to immunocompromised patients who might face life-threatening invasive infections.
Specific Product Affected: Only the liquid oral saline laxative was recalled. Other forms of magnesium citrate, such as softgels or gummies, were not affected and are still sold by CVS.
Widespread Impact: The recall was not limited to CVS; it affected multiple major retailers, including Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid, due to the manufacturer's role as a key supplier.
Available Alternatives: Effective alternatives for constipation relief include osmotic laxatives like MiraLAX, stimulant laxatives, Milk of Magnesia, and fiber supplements.

The Cause of the Recall: Microbial Contamination

CVS stopped selling liquid magnesium citrate saline laxative due to a voluntary worldwide recall by its manufacturer, Vi-Jon, LLC, in 2022. The recall was initiated after testing revealed contamination with Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens, a gram-negative bacteria, in the oral solution. The recall, initially for a single lot of CVS Health's lemon flavor, was expanded to include all flavors and lots within their expiration dates. CVS removed all affected products, including their store brand and potentially other Vi-Jon supplied brands.

The Health Risks Posed by the Contamination

The presence of Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens presented a health risk, particularly for immunocompromised individuals, who could experience an increased risk of invasive infections. These infections can lead to serious, life-threatening consequences. The recall aimed to prevent harm by removing the product from the market.

Clarifying Product Availability: Liquid vs. Tablets

The recall specifically impacted the liquid magnesium citrate saline laxative and did not extend to solid forms like tablets, capsules, or gummies, which are typically used as dietary supplements. These other magnesium supplements, used for various health benefits, remain available at CVS and other retailers. This distinction explains why some magnesium citrate products can still be found on shelves.

The Role of the FDA and Widespread Impact

The FDA supported the recall by publicizing Vi-Jon's announcement. The recall's impact was widespread, affecting multiple retailers, including Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid, as Vi-Jon is a major supplier of store-brand over-the-counter medications.

Alternatives to Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution

Several alternatives are available for those who used the liquid magnesium citrate oral solution. The best option should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

Common over-the-counter alternatives include:

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (MiraLAX): An osmotic laxative that softens stool by drawing water into the colon.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): A stimulant laxative that promotes bowel movements by stimulating intestinal muscles.
Senna: A natural stimulant laxative.
Magnesium Hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia): An osmotic laxative similar to magnesium citrate.
Fiber Supplements: Products like psyllium husk that add bulk to stool.

Comparison of Laxative Alternatives


Product	Active Ingredient	Mechanism of Action	Typical Onset	Best For
Recalled Magnesium Citrate (Oral Solution)	Magnesium Citrate	Osmotic	30 mins - 6 hours	Rapid, occasional constipation relief or bowel prep
MiraLAX	Polyethylene Glycol 3350	Osmotic	1 - 3 days	Gentle, occasional constipation relief
Dulcolax	Bisacodyl	Stimulant	6 - 12 hours (oral)	Occasional constipation, more forceful effect
Milk of Magnesia	Magnesium Hydroxide	Osmotic	30 mins - 6 hours	Occasional constipation, similar to Mg Citrate
Fiber Supplements	Psyllium Husk, etc.	Bulk-forming	12 - 72 hours	Mild, occasional constipation, general regularity

Conclusion

CVS stopped selling liquid magnesium citrate saline laxative due to a 2022 recall by manufacturer Vi-Jon, LLC, caused by microbial contamination with Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens. This recall aimed to protect consumers, especially immunocompromised individuals, from potential serious health risks. While the liquid form was removed, other magnesium citrate products remain available. Individuals needing a laxative should consult a healthcare provider for suitable alternatives. For more information on the recall, refer to the FDA announcement.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

The recall was caused by microbial contamination of the liquid oral saline laxative with the bacteria Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens, which posed a potential health risk, especially to immunocompromised individuals.

Yes, while the liquid oral saline laxative was removed, other forms of magnesium citrate, such as softgels, tablets, and gummies, are still available at CVS for use as dietary supplements.

The product was manufactured by Vi-Jon, LLC, a major supplier of store-brand over-the-counter medications for various retailers, including CVS.

Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens is a type of bacteria. Its presence in the oral laxative was dangerous because it could cause serious, potentially life-threatening invasive infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Safe alternatives include osmotic laxatives like MiraLAX (polyethylene glycol 3350), stimulant laxatives like Dulcolax, Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide), and various fiber supplements.

Yes, because Vi-Jon supplied products to many major retailers, the recall also affected stores like Walgreens, Walmart, and Rite Aid, and likely caused a general product shortage.

If you possess the recalled liquid magnesium citrate saline laxative, you should stop using it immediately and dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase. If you experience any health issues, contact your healthcare provider.