St. Louis, MO — A voluntary recall involving six hand soap products distributed across 15 states has been announced after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration raised concerns about potential bacterial contamination.
Intercon Chemical Co. of St. Louis initiated the recall, with the FDA reporting that two of the recalled soap products may be contaminated with several types of Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria.
The bacteria identified in the FDA notice include P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens, microorganisms that can cause infections under certain circumstances.
The FDA has classified the recall as Class II, a designation used when exposure to or use of a recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, although the possibility of serious adverse effects can also exist.
Which hand soaps are included in the recall?
The FDA released details identifying the six hand soap products covered by the recall. The recalled products include:
- Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe — 28.7 fluid ounces, with 693 cases recalled.
- Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe — 1,000 milliliters, with 143 cases recalled.
- Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap — 28.7 fluid ounces, with 1,040 cases recalled.
- Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent — 33.8 fluid ounces, with 225 cases recalled.
- Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap — 8 fluid ounces, with 301 cases recalled.
- Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers — 7.5 fluid ounces, with 294 cases recalled.
Consumers who have these products at home may want to compare the product name and size against the FDA’s recall information before continuing to use them.
Why the bacteria warning matters
The recall is drawing attention because some of the affected products may contain bacteria capable of causing infections.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens are among the organisms identified in the FDA notice. While exposure does not automatically mean a person will become sick, bacterial contamination can be particularly concerning for people who are more vulnerable to infections.
The FDA’s Class II classification does not mean that every use of the recalled products will result in illness. Rather, it reflects the agency’s classification of the potential health consequences associated with the recalled products.
Consumers should therefore avoid assuming that a familiar brand or commonly used hand soap is unaffected simply because it is a routine household product.
Where were the recalled soaps sold?
The recalled hand soaps were distributed through 19 wholesale companies and one retail company across 15 states. The states listed in the recall distribution information are:
California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
That means shoppers in multiple regions could potentially have encountered one of the affected products. Because the products were distributed through both wholesale and retail channels, consumers may have purchased them through different types of businesses rather than from a single national store chain.
What consumers should do now
Anyone who has one of the recalled hand soaps should check the product against the FDA’s official recall details before using it further.
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The product name, size and other identifying information can help consumers determine whether their soap is included. People who believe they have experienced an adverse reaction or infection after using a recalled product should consider contacting a healthcare professional.
The recall also highlights why consumers should pay attention to FDA notices involving everyday household and personal-care products. Items used routinely can sometimes become subject to recalls when manufacturing or contamination concerns are identified.
With the affected products distributed across 15 states, consumers in those areas may want to check their household supplies and confirm whether any recalled soap is currently in use.
Have you seen any of these recalled hand soaps in your home or local store? Share your experience in the comments.
