Stop using nowMedical device recall · FDA · Published November 16, 2023
Covidien AbsorbaTack Tacks Recall: Risk of Sterility Breach in Packaging
Covidien recalls 30 Violet Absorbable Tacks for potential sterility breach due to packaging issues. Affected units may compromise surgical product safety.
Packaging of the device may cause a low seal strength in the side seal of the foil pouch potentially resulting in a sterile/moisture barrier breach, compromising the product sterility
Take action
Contact the company
📍Recalling firmCovidien LP15 Hampshire St · Mansfield, MA 02048-1113
“Covidien AbsorbaTack Tacks Recall: Risk of Sterility Breach in Packaging.” GovInfoNow, updated August 10, 2026. https://govinfonow.com/recall/56808-covidien-absorbatack-tacks-recall-risk-of-sterility-breach-in-packaging. Based on FDA recall #Z-0986-2024 (https://api.fda.gov/device/enforcement.json?search=recall_number:%22Z-0986-2024%22&limit=1).
The FDA announced on Nov. 16, 2023, that Covidien LP is recalling AbsorbaTack Absorbable Fixation Devices due to packaging defects that may compromise sterility. Owners should contact the company for a remedy.
How to tell if you have it
Brand: Covidien
Product: AbsorbaTack Absorbable Fixation Device 30 Violet Absorbable Tacks 5 mm- -intended for fixation of prosthetic material
Model: ABSTACK30
UPC: 20884523006527
Lot number: N3J1860Y
The hazard
The device's foil pouch side seal may have low strength, potentially causing a breach in the sterile barrier. This defect compromises product sterility.
Context
GovInfoNow's records show Covidien, LP has 26 other recalls on record since July 17, 2017. Recent brand recalls include a June 24, 2026 recall for V-Loc 90 Wound Closure Devices due to damaged packaging and an April 15, 2026 recall for EndoStitch Polysorb Loading Units involving sterile package risks. Other recent recalls of similar products include Medline Convenience Kits recalls (June 12, 2026) and a Medline Quick-Strip Bandages recall (Oct. 27, 2025).
How to tell if you have this one
Check for the model number ABSTACK30 on the packaging or the lot number N3J1860Y. The product is intended for hernia repair procedures and sold with a GTIN of 20884523006527.
Immediately stop using the AbsorbaTack tacks if you have the model ABSTACK30 or lot number N3J1860Y.
Where it went and when
Where it was distributed
Distributed nationwide; the notice names 5 states.
Named in the notice
Covered by “nationwide”
Not listed
FDA distribution: “US Nationwide distribution in the states of CA, CO, FL, IL, TX.” States read from FDA’s own wording; “not listed” means the notice does not name it.
Named in the notice: California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Texas.
Recall timeline
FDA published this recall 3 months after the firm started it.
1Firm started the recall
2FDA classified it Class II
3Published in FDA’s Enforcement Report
Dates from the agency record only; steps without a date are left out.
The facts (hazard, remedy, dates, manufacturer) are pulled from the official FDA recall record. The plain-language summary and step-by-step checklist are written by GovInfoNow to make the official notice easier to act on — they don’t replace it.
Official source: FDA Recall #Z-0986-2024 (November 16, 2023) — FDA publishes no per-recall page; this is the official machine-readable enforcement record. Search FDA recalls for Z-0986-2024 to see it in context.
Plain-language summary written by qwen3:4b on August 10, 2026, from the official record above. Not reviewed by a person — if it conflicts with the FDA notice, the notice is correct. Report an error on this page.
GovInfoNow is an independent service and is not a government agency. We republish official FDA recall data; we don’t issue, amend or administer recalls.