Bottles of shampoo sold nationwide have been voluntarily recalled by the maker because some bottles are contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria, which could cause infections among vulnerable groups.
Personal care product manufacturer Kao USA issued the recall on July 1 after detecting Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria in specific lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in two sizes: 8.5 ounces and 33.8 ounces, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The shampoo was sold to retailers across the U.S. and Canada. Michigan residents are urged to check their cosmetics for the shampoo and dispose of it immediately.
Kao USA is also asking retailers that sell its products — including well-known companies such as Target, Sephora and Walmart — to remove the shampoo bottles from their shelves.
Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria poses little medical risk to healthy people, however, it could negatively impact immunocompromised people or those with underlying health conditions who are susceptible to infection.
The recall is under investigation to confirm the scope of the bacterium, according to the FDA.
Here’s more on the recalled shampoo in Michigan:
What does the recalled shampoo look like?
The recall includes the following Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo products:
Both sizes of the recalled shampoo were manufactured between Feb. 21 and Feb. 26 this year. Lot codes are printed in black on the bottom of the bottle.
What if I purchased the shampoo? Can I get a refund?
Consumers are urged to not use the shampoo and to dispose of it immediately.
Those who purchased the shampoo, experienced an adverse health affect, would like to arrange a replacement or ask questions about the recall can contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com, according to the FDA.
What is Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria?
Pluralibacter gergoviae is a gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is considered unlikely to cause infection to healthy people, but can cause infections to immunocompromised individuals, Microchem Labratory said.
“More recently, P. gergoviae has been implicated in several recalls involving cosmetic products such as eye and skin creams as well as baby shampoo,” Microchem Labratory said. “This bacterium is resistant to parabens, a common antimicrobial agent in cosmetics, as well as several antibiotics.”
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Contaminated shampoo could be in your shower. What to look for
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Detroit Free Press
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By Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
