A California-based manufacturer has recalled more than 3.1 million bottles of lubricating eye drops after failing to properly test for sterility. The recall, initiated on March 3, 2026, by K.C. Pharmaceuticals, affects multiple products sold nationwide under various retail and private-label brands.

The scale of the recall is significant and may impact more than one million consumers. While no infections have been reported as of early April, the situation underscores continued concerns surrounding manufacturing quality and regulatory oversight in the over-the-counter eye care market.

Scope of the Recall

Eight eye drop products are included in the recall:

• Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops
• Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops
• Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula
• Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant
• Eye Drops Advanced Relief
• Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops
• Sterile Eye Drops AC
• Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears

These products were distributed under multiple brand names, including Top Care, Best Choice, Good Sense, Rugby, Leader, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Quality Choice, Valu Merchandisers, Geri Care, Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger.

Retail distribution included major national chains such as Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Kroger, Harris Teeter, Dollar General, Circle K, and Publix. The affected products carry expiration dates ranging from April 30, 2026, to Oct. 31, 2026, and were sold beginning in April 2025.

Health Risks and Consumer Guidance

The primary concern involves the potential use of nonsterile eye drops. Products contaminated with bacteria or fungi can cause eye infections, which may become severe due to the immune system's limited ability to respond within the eye.

Although no infections have been reported in connection with this recall, consumers are advised to stop using affected products and return them for a refund. Symptoms that may indicate infection include redness, discharge, swelling, irritation, vision changes, or pain. Individuals experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention and report the issue to the Food and Drug Administration.

Consumers can verify whether their product is part of the recall by reviewing product names, lot numbers, and expiration dates listed on the FDA website.

Regulatory Oversight and Historical Context

The FDA oversees drug and medical product safety, including manufacturing quality for both prescription and over-the-counter products. Due to resource constraints, the agency prioritizes inspections based on risk levels and prior compliance issues.

Before 2023, inspections of over-the-counter eye drop manufacturers were relatively infrequent. However, a multistate outbreak in 2023 prompted increased scrutiny. That outbreak involved 81 reported infections across 18 states linked to contaminated eye drops. The consequences included 14 cases of vision loss, four eye removals, and four deaths.

The FDA identified Global Pharma’s EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsem Pharma’s Artificial Tears and Eye Ointment as the sources. Later that year, additional recalls were issued for products from Dr. Berne’s, LightEyez Limited, Pharmedica LLC, and Kilitch Healthcare. In one case, inspectors documented significant manufacturing deficiencies, including unsanitary conditions and falsified sterility testing results.

Prior FDA Action Involving K.C. Pharmaceuticals

K.C. Pharmaceuticals was previously inspected by the FDA in 2023. At that time, the agency issued a warning letter citing concerns about the company’s failure to implement adequate procedures to prevent microbiological contamination.

Although no recall was required at that time, the FDA instructed the company to revise its protocols and consult external experts. The current recall indicates that sterility assurance issues persisted.

The affected products were manufactured at the company’s Pomona, California, facility. The inability to confirm sterility across multiple batches led to the large-scale recall.

Ongoing Monitoring

As of early April 2026, the FDA has not received reports of infections associated with these products. The agency continues to provide updated information on affected lot numbers and expiration dates through its public database.

This recall follows a series of similar events in recent years and reflects continued regulatory focus on manufacturing practices within the eye care product segment.

A new Gallup poll shows healthcare has returned as the leading domestic concern among Americans, with 61% reporting they worry “a great deal” about access and affordability. The finding places healthcare ahead of 15 other policy areas and marks a shift from recent years when economic issues dominated.

Following healthcare, four economic concerns rank closely together, each cited by about half of U.S. adults. These include the economy, inflation, federal spending, the budget deficit, and income and wealth distribution. Meanwhile, Americans express comparatively lower concern about race relations, illegal immigration, unemployment, and energy affordability, with roughly one-third saying they worry a great deal about each.

Other issues, including hunger and homelessness, environmental quality, and the size and power of the federal government, fall in the middle of the rankings. Social Security aligns with the national average level of concern at 43%. Terrorism, crime and violence, and drug use rank among the least-cited concerns.

Although levels of concern vary by issue, a majority of Americans report at least some level of worry across all 16 areas measured.

Overall Concern Declines Year Over Year

Gallup reports a broader easing in national concern compared to 2025. The average percentage of Americans who say they worry a great deal across all issues dropped to 43%, down from 46% last year. This marks the lowest level recorded since 2020, when concern reached 38% at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several issues saw notable year-over-year declines. Concern about Social Security and the economy each fell by nine percentage points, returning to levels seen in 2024 after rising at the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. Similarly, concern about crime decreased by 8 points and about immigration by 7 points, driven largely by reduced worry among Republicans.

Inflation concerns also declined by six points to 50%, the lowest level since Gallup began tracking the issue in 2022. No issue experienced a significant increase in concern over the past year, including healthcare, which maintained steady levels while moving to the top position.

Healthcare’s current ranking reflects a return to patterns seen in prior decades. It held the top spot from 2015 to 2020 and frequently alternated with the economy as the leading concern from 2002 to 2014. In 2025, healthcare was roughly tied with the economy, but it now leads by 10 percentage points.

Partisan Differences Shape Concern Levels

The survey highlights sharp differences in priorities across political affiliations. Among Republicans, illegal immigration ranks as the top concern at 55%, followed by federal spending, drug use, and crime. In contrast, Democrats identify healthcare as their primary concern, with 80% expressing high worry, followed by income and wealth distribution and the economy.

Independents report concerns that overlap with both groups, with healthcare, inflation, federal spending, and the economy ranking highest.

Significant gaps appear between parties on several issues. For example, Democrats’ concern about income and wealth distribution exceeds Republicans' by 58 points. Environmental concerns show a 52-point gap, while immigration is the only issue where Republican concern exceeds Democrats' by a wide margin.

Shifts in Political Sentiment

Gallup data also show a shift in overall concern levels aligned with political control. Republicans’ average concern across all issues has declined to 30%, down from 53% during the final year of President Joe Biden’s administration. Democrats’ average concern remains elevated at 51%, consistent with last year’s level and higher than during Biden’s final year.

Independents report an average concern level of 46%, consistent with recent years.

These patterns align with historical trends, showing that supporters of the out-of-power party tend to report higher levels of concern, while supporters of the sitting president report lower levels.

The poll was conducted as geopolitical tensions, including the escalation of the Iran war, were developing. Gallup notes that subsequent events may influence public sentiment beyond the timeframe captured in the survey.

Insurers are increasingly turning to catastrophe bonds and alternative capital structures to address growing coverage gaps tied to large-scale data center developments. The shift comes as demand for insurance tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure rises and traditional capacity struggles to keep pace.

Brokers and insurers are working with private capital firms and hedge funds to issue catastrophe bonds, also known as cat bonds, as well as special-purpose vehicles. These structures aim to provide additional capital to cover risks associated with data centers, including fire, flooding, and cyberattacks.

The scale of data center investments has reached tens of billions of dollars. As a result, available insurance coverage has not kept up with lender and developer needs. Industry participants say this imbalance is driving the search for new capital sources.

Laurent Rousseau, head of global capital solutions at reinsurance broker Guy Carpenter, noted that demand for insurance continues to increase. He said the industry will need to access new sources of capital to meet that demand.

Lenders financing data center projects are seeking protection against a range of exposures. These include physical damage from fire and flooding, loss of high-value semiconductor chips, project cancellations, construction risks, and disruptions to power and water supplies.

Joe Peiser, head of risk capital at broker Aon, said insurance-linked securities tied to data centers will play a key role in addressing the volume of demand entering the market.

Cat bonds allow insurers and other issuers to transfer risk to investors. In exchange for higher yields, investors agree to absorb losses if a specified event occurs. If a triggering disaster takes place, bondholders may lose part or all of their investment.

The broader cat bond market has attracted participation from hedge funds, private capital firms, and retail investors. Higher yields relative to corporate and government debt have contributed to increased demand, driving record issuance levels in recent months.

Insurers are now exploring cat bond structures that could provide up to $1 billion in property damage coverage for a single data center or a group of facilities. These bonds would likely focus on major natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

In addition, insurers are developing alternative investment vehicles designed to cover other risks, including cyber incidents and business interruption.

According to Rousseau, a data center cat bond offering up to $1 billion in coverage could yield at least two percentage points above comparable government bonds. These instruments are generally suited to investors seeking higher returns and willing to accept greater risk.

Industry participants also point to additional uncertainties surrounding data center projects. These include potential fluctuations in long-term demand for computing power and storage, as well as data centers' exposure to targeted attacks. Rousseau noted that data centers are considered strategic assets and may face heightened risk in unstable geopolitical conditions.

A cyber vulnerability is a weakness in an information system's security procedure that can be exploited to gain access, steal data, or disrupt operations. Identifying and managing these vulnerabilities helps reduce cyber risks and limit the impact of a breach.

As digital supply chains become more interconnected, the risk and severity of cyberattacks continue to increase. Threat actors are now targeting third-party partners and suppliers, exploiting vulnerabilities in their systems to access organizations across the value chain. According to Johnty Mongan, global head of Cyber Risk Management at Gallagher, identifying common vulnerabilities in widely used software can support proactive defenses against supply chain attacks and reduce systemic exposure.

Recent data highlights the scale of the issue. Pinsent Masons reported a rise in third-party and supply chain-related incidents, increasing from 6% of cases in 2024 to nearly 20% in 2025. During the same year, the average cost of a data breach reached $4.44 million.

Cyber Vulnerabilities in Complex Supply Chains

Despite the growing threat, many organizations do not consistently assess cyber risks within their supply chains. While 45% of large organizations review supplier-related cyber risks, broader adoption remains limited. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found that just over one in 10 businesses review risks posed by their immediate suppliers.

Vulnerabilities in widely used software can affect large numbers of systems, particularly when updates are not applied. Information about these weaknesses is readily available on the dark web, where cybercriminals share tactics and discovered vulnerabilities.

At the same time, many firms have outsourced IT management, leading to reduced in-house expertise. When incidents occur, organizations often rely on external providers for response. In large-scale supply chain attacks, these third-party response firms may face capacity constraints, delaying remediation efforts.

Identifying Common Cyber Vulnerabilities

Organizations can strengthen IT resilience by improving cyber hygiene. Basic practices include identifying and updating software, implementing strong password protocols, and conducting regular system scans to detect vulnerabilities.

Five key steps to maintain effective cyber hygiene include:

• Train staff regularly through awareness sessions and phishing simulations
• Conduct system vulnerability scans to identify outdated or insecure software
• Implement multi-factor authentication and restrict administrative access
• Develop a clear incident response plan with defined roles and responsibilities
• Regularly review and update risk management strategies

In addition, organizations can extend these practices to third-party relationships. Continuous due diligence, supported by regular assessments rather than one-time evaluations, can help identify vulnerabilities across the supply chain.

Some organizations are taking more proactive measures. In 2026, a global information technology company reduced its supplier base to fewer than 10 after issuing an extensive risk questionnaire with nearly 500 questions. The process helped identify partners with stronger cyber risk controls and streamline the supply chain accordingly.

The Role of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures

Cyber experts use Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) to track known weaknesses in systems and software. CVEs provide standardized identifiers for vulnerabilities and support improved detection and mitigation efforts. They also enable information sharing and more efficient resource allocation.

Benefits of CVEs include:

• Standardized identification of known vulnerabilities
• Improved detection methods
• Reduced cyber risk and attack exposure
• Enhanced threat monitoring
• Easier information sharing
• More effective budget management

Cyber Defense Center: Monitoring and Early Detection

The Gallagher Cyber Defense Center uses CVE data to assess risks and recommend mitigation strategies. Analysis indicates that six in 10 clients face common vulnerabilities due to shared technology platforms.

The center monitors vulnerabilities, conducts client-specific risk assessments, and communicates findings to support remediation. This approach also highlights broader industry patterns and reinforces the need for continuous monitoring.

By identifying trends across multiple organizations, the system provides early visibility into vulnerabilities that may be widely exploited. This allows organizations to address risks before incidents occur.

Building a More Resilient Approach

The increasing complexity of digital supply chains creates a larger attack surface for cybercriminals. Exploiting a single supplier can provide access to multiple downstream organizations.

Monitoring CVEs and identifying common vulnerabilities allows organizations to detect potential threats earlier. Proactive identification and response to widely used vulnerabilities can help reduce the likelihood of large-scale supply chain incidents and support overall cyber resilience.

Amwins announced the rebranding of its Group Benefits division as Amwins Benefits on April 2, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. The change reflects expanded capabilities and a more integrated, solution-focused approach for the market. The new structure also aims to simplify access to products and services for retail brokers, carrier partners, third-party administrators (TPAs), and consultants.

The rebrand introduces clearly defined solution verticals designed to improve navigation and accessibility. As part of this transition, several business units will operate under updated names aligned with the Amwins Benefits structure:

• Amwins Connect will now be marketed as Amwins Benefits | Small to Mid-Market
• True Benefit will be part of the Small to Mid-Market vertical and will maintain its brand
• Stealth Partner Group, LLC will now be marketed as Amwins Benefits | Self-Funded
• James R. Nelligan & Associates, LLC will now be marketed as Amwins Benefits | Ancillary
• The retiree practice of Amwins Group Benefits, LLC will now be marketed as Amwins Benefits | Retiree Healthcare
• Amwins Accident & Health Underwriters will now be marketed as Amwins Benefits | Exclusive Programs

According to the company, this evolution reflects continued investment in a unified client experience and increased collaboration across its benefits businesses. The structure is designed to better support brokers, consultants, TPAs, and carrier partners.

“By bringing our businesses together under the Amwins name and organizing our capabilities around solutions, we’re making it easier for our partners to access the expertise, products and market leverage they need to win,” said Riva Dumeny, president of Amwins Benefits. “We look forward to operating under a unified identity, strengthening collaboration across our businesses and continuing to lead the wholesale benefits market together as Amwins Benefits.”

Amwins is the largest independent wholesale distributor of specialty insurance products in the U.S. The company serves retail insurance agents by providing property and casualty products, specialty group benefits, and administrative services. Based in Charlotte, N.C., Amwins operates through more than 155 offices globally and handles premium placements exceeding $50 billion annually.