( CNN ) -- Pfizer is recalling an additional 38,000 bottles of the cholesterol-fighting drug Lipitor after reports of an odor linked to the packaging bottles , the drug company said in a statement . The recall will affect Lipitor 40 mg tablets ( atorvastatin calcium ) distributed in the United States . The company said the bottles were supplied by a third-party manufacturer . `` We have thoroughly evaluated the root cause , which is episodic exposure of the bottles to low levels of TBA ( tribromoanisole ) as they are shipped or stored , '' Pfizer said . The company said the rate of odor complaints was fewer than three per million bottles . Earlier this year , Pfizer recalled of more than 190,000 bottles of Lipitor due to similar odor-related complaints . `` Research indicates that a major source of TBA appears to be 2 , 4 , 6-tribromoanisole ( TBP ) , a chemical used as a wood preservative , '' the company said . `` Although TBP often is applied to pallets used to transport and store a variety of products , Pfizer prohibits the utilization of TBP-treated wood in the shipment of its medicines . '' Pfizer said a medical assessment found the risk of health consequences to patients appears to be minimal . According to the Food and Drug Administration , reports of drug contamination have been linked to a `` moldy or musty '' odor in food and wine products . `` Currently available data indicate that serious adverse health effects have not resulted from ingestion of drugs or foods contaminated , '' the FDA said , with such compounds at the levels of contamination that have been reported . But the agency noted another problem that could stem from contaminated drugs . `` Even if the health effects are minimal , [ the ] FDA is concerned that patients sensing an unusual odor that is not intrinsic to the product will stop taking their medication , '' the administration said on its website . Pfizer said it does not expect a product shortage resulting from the new recall . Anyone with questions can call 1-888-LIPITOR . CNN 's Rick Martin contributed to this report .
Some bottles may have a moldy or musky odor . Pfizer : The health risk is `` minimal '' More than 190,000 bottles of Lipitor were recalled earlier this year .