Hand soaps meant to keep hands clean and free of bacteria have been recalled for doing the opposite, according to a Food and Drug Administration report.
Intercon Chemical Co. issued a recall for 2,696 cases of hand soaps sold in 15 states due to potential contamination. The six affected products may be contaminated with several types of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens and Serratia nematodiphila. All are environmental bacteria that can cause infections in humans, especially those with compromised immune systems.
Infections of the bloodstream, urinary tract and respiratory system are among the potential health complications associated with exposure to the bacterium, according
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some, like P. aeruginosa, are more common and associated with infections that can be more serious, like those of the blood and lungs.
The company initially issued the recall in June, but the FDA only recently assigned a Class II risk level, meaning use of the products "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," but the probability of a serious health event is low.
The soaps have 2028 best-by dates and could still be in consumers' homes. Here's what to know.
See which soap products were recalled
- Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, 28.7 fl. oz.: UPC 789745002981; lot codes AF97312, 26-01001, 26-01803; best by 01/12/2028, 03/13/2028, 03/28.
- Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, 34 fl. oz.: UPC 789745002615; lot codes 26-01001, 26-01803; best by 03/13/28, 03/28.
- Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap, 28.7 fl. oz.: UPC 810080570030; lot codes BF97303, BF97304, BF97305; best by 02/03/2028, 02/04/2028, 02/05/2028.
- Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent, 33.8 fl. oz.: UPC 810080570405; lot code 26-03091; best by 05/28.
- Laura Lynn honey apple crisp Liquid Hand Soap, 8 fl. oz.: UPC 086854074305; lot codes C3576, 26-01804; best by 11/05/26, 03/28.
- Laura Lynn Foaming pear scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers, 7.5 fl. oz.: UPC 08685407408; lot code 26-01001; best by 03/13/28.
Where recalled soaps were sold
The soap products were sold to wholesalers and retail locations in 15 states, including:
- California
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Mississipp
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
What to do with recalled products
Stop using the recalled products if you have them in your home. Intercon Chemical Co. may contact affected sellers or customers via email, fax, letter or telephone.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hand soap recalled for infection risk. See affected products
