Camilla Jessen
Check your bathroom shelves.
Several everyday hygiene products have been pulled from U.S. stores due to a serious bacterial contamination.
FDA Expands Recall of Popular Personal Care Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall of a wide range of personal care products, including hand sanitizers, deodorants, cleansers, ointments, and creams, due to a potential contamination with a dangerous bacteria.
Infectious Bacteria Found in Products
The recall—expanded voluntarily by DermaRite Industries—comes after concerns that affected items may contain Burkholderia cepacia, a bacteria that can cause serious infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
What Products Are Affected?
The list of affected items includes a broad array of everyday hygiene and skin care products sold throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
Among them are antifungal creams, moisturizing lotions, hand sanitizers and skin cleansers, and skin protectants and deodorants.
DermaRite has released a full list of product names and lot numbers, which you can find here.
Why the Recall Matters
The contamination involves Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a group of bacteria that can lead to fever and fatigue, respiratory symptoms, and/or skin infections, especially when applied to wounds or sensitive areas
While healthy individuals may experience minor symptoms or none at all, the bacteria pose serious risks to people with weakened immune systems, those with chronic lung disease, or open wounds.
What To Do If You Have a Recalled Product
Stop using the product immediately.
Check the product label against the lot numbers published in the recall notice. Dispose of it safely or return it to the point of purchase for a refund.
Consumers experiencing symptoms after using any of the affected products should contact a healthcare provider right away.
Here’s Who to Contact
For more information about the recall or how to handle affected items, reach out to Sedgwick, the recall administrator:
- Call: 888-943-5190 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET)
- Email: dermarite5186@sedgwick.com
Stay informed and check your products to help protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm.
