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The intercon chemical hand soap recall now involves six products distributed across 16 states, including Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. The recall was issued because of potential bacterial contamination and was recently classified as a Class II recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
St. Louis-based Intercon Chemical Co. announced the recall in June. The FDA’s recent classification means the agency determined that using or being exposed to the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, although the probability of serious harm is considered remote.
Intercon Chemical Hand Soap Recall Includes Six Products
The recalled soaps were distributed to wholesalers and at least one retail location. The FDA alert did not identify every store where the products were sold, so consumers should carefully check product names, package sizes and UPC codes before using them.
- Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe: 28.7 fluid ounces, UPC 789745002981.
- Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe: 1,000 milliliters, or 34 fluid ounces, UPC 789745002615.
- Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap: 28.7 fluid ounces, UPC 810080570030.
- Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent: 33.8 fluid ounces, UPC 810080570405.
- Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap: 8 fluid ounces, UPC 086854074305.
- Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers: 7.5 fluid ounces, UPC 08685407408.
The products were sold under several brand names, including Intercon, Clearly Better, Summit, Vestis and Laura Lynn. That variety may make the recall harder for shoppers to spot, particularly when products were purchased through wholesalers or used in workplaces, public facilities or other shared settings.
Potential Bacterial Contamination Raises Health Concerns
Most of the recalled items were identified because of potential bacterial contamination. Two products specifically listed several organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens and Serratia nematodiphila.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections most often occur in healthcare settings and can be difficult to treat because some strains resist antibiotics. People in hospitals or long-term care facilities, those with weakened immune systems and individuals with medical devices may face a higher risk of infection.
Serratia marcescens has been associated with infections such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, the FDA’s Class II classification does not mean that every person exposed to a recalled product will become ill. It describes the potential risk connected with using a product that violates safety standards.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Consumers who have any of the listed soaps should stop using them until they confirm whether the product is included in the recall. Check the brand, scent, container size and UPC number against the recall information. Do not rely only on the appearance of the bottle, since several products have similar packaging and pear scents.
People should also avoid transferring recalled soap into another container, giving it to someone else or continuing to use it simply because no symptoms have appeared. Contact the retailer or distributor for instructions about returns, disposal or refunds.
Anyone who experiences unusual skin irritation or other health concerns after using a recalled product should contact a healthcare professional. Individuals at higher risk of infection may want to seek medical advice promptly, especially if they develop concerning symptoms.
The latest action follows a much larger hand soap recall from less than a year ago involving products sold nationwide. That earlier recall raised concerns that contamination could contribute to serious infections, including sepsis. The new alert is a reminder that consumers should take product recall notices seriously, even when the products are common household items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Intercon Chemical hand soap recall?
The recall was issued because of potential bacterial contamination. Some products specifically listed Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria.
How many products are included?
Six hand soap products are included, sold under the Intercon, Clearly Better, Summit, Vestis and Laura Lynn brand names.
Which states are affected?
The products were distributed across 16 states. Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa are among the affected Midwestern states.
What does a Class II recall mean?
The FDA says a Class II recall involves a product that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while serious harm is considered unlikely.
What should I do if I own one of the recalled soaps?
Stop using the product, compare its details with the recall information and contact the retailer or distributor for return or disposal guidance.
