Shampoo Recalled Nationwide Over Bacterial Contamination
Kao USA Inc. has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of two shampoo products made by its subsidiary Oribe after discovering they may be contaminated with a drug-resistant bacterium capable of causing infections in vulnerable individuals.
Kao announced the recall last week, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration posted its own recall notice the following day. The affected products may contain Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium known for resisting many of the preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products.
Which Products Are Affected
The recall covers two specific items: the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in the 8.5-ounce size, with UPC 840035231242 and lot code YR010556, and the same shampoo in the 33.8-ounce size, with UPC 840035231273 and lot codes YR010566 and YR010576. All of the affected products were manufactured between Feb. 21 and Feb. 26.
The shampoos were sold nationwide across the United States and Canada, both in salons and through other retailers.
Why Pluralibacter Gergoviae Is a Concern
Pluralibacter gergoviae is a bacterium occasionally linked to cosmetic product recalls due to its resistance to standard preservatives. According to Melbec Microbiology, infections from the bacterium are rare in healthy people but can pose a serious risk to individuals with chronic illnesses, weakened immune systems or those recovering from surgical procedures.
Reported infections tied to the bacterium have included sepsis, eye infections, respiratory illness and urinary tract infections. In its recall notice, Kao stated that the bacteria "pose little medical risk to healthy people," though the company acknowledged that those with certain health issues, including weakened immune systems, may face a higher risk of infection.
What to Do if You Have the Recalled Shampoo
Kao is advising anyone who owns the recalled shampoo to stop using it immediately. Customers can arrange a replacement by calling the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or emailing oribecomplaints@kao.com.
No illnesses had been publicly confirmed at the time the recall was announced, though consumers who have used the affected products and are experiencing symptoms of infection are advised to contact a healthcare provider.
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