ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

An urgent recall has been issued in the US after soaps and hand sanitisers contaminated with bacteria linked to sepsis entered the market.

In July this year, skincare and hygiene products manufacturer DermaRite Industries recalled a number of soaps contaminated with Burkholderia cepacian, an infectious group of bacteria. But in the last few weeks, America's Food and Drug Administration has expanded this recall to encompass several other products including hand sanitisers, deodorants and shampoos.

According to the FDA, products contaminated with Burkholderia cepecia could cause life-threatening infections such as sepsis if used by immunosuppressed people or by anyone assisting an immunosuppressed person. However, there is also a risk of local infections for healthy people suffering from a minor skin lesion.

"These bacteria pose little medical risk for healthy individuals, but for anyone immunocompromised the risks are severe," states the Centers for Disease Control.

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection and occurs when one's immune system overreacts and starts to damage the body's own tissues and organs.

A total of 16 products have been listed in the expanded recall order including DermaMed skin protectants, UltraSure deodorants and Gel Rite hand sanitisers.
Most of the products named in the recall can be bought over the counter.

DermaRite has notified all distributors and customers by email to destroy any affected products, which have only been distributed in the US and Puerto Rico.

The FDA also encourages consumers to contact their physician or healthcare provider if they are experiencing any issues after using the recalled products.