Californians are being urged to check hand soap products in homes, workplaces, schools, and public facilities after the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationclassified an ongoing recall involving six hand soaps distributed in California and 14 other states as a Class II recall.
The products, made or distributed by Intercon Chemical Co., may be contaminated with bacteria that can cause infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
The recall was originally initiated June 29, but the FDA assigned it a Class II classification on Sept. 11. A Class II recall means use of the product could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, while the risk of serious health consequences is considered remote.
California is among the
15 states that received recalled products. Other affected states include Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
What hand soap products are included in the California recall?
The recall covers more than 2,600 cases of soap distributed to 20 companies, including wholesale distributors and one retailer.
Affected products include:
- Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, 28.7 oz.
- UPC: 789745002981
- Lot codes: AF97312, 26-01001, 26-01803
- Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, 34 oz.
- UPC: 789745002615
- Lot codes: 26-01001, 26-01803
- Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap, 28.7 oz.
- UPC: 810080570030
- Lot codes: BF97303, BF97304, BF97305
- Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent, 33.8 oz.
- UPC: 810080570405
- Lot code: 26-03091
- Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap, 8 oz.
- UPC: 086854074305
- Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers, 7.5 oz.
- UPC: 08685407408
Consumers should compare UPC numbers, lot codes, and best-by dates with packaging before deciding whether a product is affected.
What bacteria were found in the recalled hand soaps?
According to the FDA's enforcement report, two of the recalled products may be contaminated with several strains of bacteria, including:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Pseudomonas putida
- Pseudomonas monteilii
- Serratia marcescens
- Serratia nematodiphila
The remaining four recalled products were listed for potential bacterial contamination, although public recall notices did not identify specific strains.
Health experts note that some Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria can cause infections involving the lungs, urinary tract, eyes, and bloodstream. Certain strains also resist common antibiotics, which can make treatment more difficult. People with weakened immune systems, recent surgeries, open wounds, or certain medical devices face the highest risk.
What should Californians do if they have recalled hand soap?
If you find one of the recalled products, health officials recommend:
- Stop using the soap immediately.
- Check lot codes and UPC numbers against the recall notice.
- Remove affected products from homes, workplaces and public-use areas.
- Monitor for signs of infection if you may have been exposed.
- Contact a health care provider if symptoms develop.
Consumers can also report adverse reactions or quality concerns through the FDA's MedWatch Safety Reporting Program.
How common are these recalled soaps in California?
The FDA has not identified which California businesses, facilities, or retailers received the products, and public recall notices do not specify where within the state they were shipped. However, because the products were distributed through wholesalers, they may be found in workplaces, commercial facilities, schools, health care settings, and other public locations in addition to some retail locations.
For that reason, Californians may want to check soap dispensers and refill containers not only at home but also in offices, gyms, churches, community centers and other shared-use facilities.
As of Sept. 16, the FDA's Class II designation remains in effect, and consumers are advised to stop using affected products if they match the recalled UPC and lot numbers.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Check these recalled hand soaps in California homes, schools
