Urgent Intercon Chemical Bacteria Contamination Recall

Image Source: NBC 5 Chicago

Intercon Chemical bacteria contamination recall concerns six hand soap products distributed in 16 states, including Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. The recall was issued by St. Louis-based Intercon Chemical Co. in June and was recently classified as a Class II recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The FDA’s Class II designation means that use of or exposure to the affected products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. The agency also said the probability of serious health effects is considered remote, but consumers are urged to check their soap before using it.

Critical Details in the Intercon Chemical Bacteria Contamination Recall

The products were recalled because of potential bacterial contamination. Two products specifically identified multiple organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens and Serratia nematodiphila.

The recalled items were distributed to wholesalers and at least one retail location. The FDA alert did not identify the specific stores where the products may have been sold.

Products Included in the Recall

• 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.

Consumers should compare the product name, size and UPC number with the information in the recall notice. Anyone who finds a matching product should stop using it and keep it away from children and other household members.

Why the Bacterial Contamination Warning Matters

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections typically occur in health care settings. Some strains can resist antibiotics, which may make infections more difficult to treat.

Serratia marcescens has been associated with infections such as urinary tract infections and pneumonia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people face greater risks if they are hospitalized, live in a long-term care facility, have a weakened immune system or use a medical device.

That does not mean every person who used one of the recalled soaps will become ill. However, contaminated personal-care products can pose a greater concern for people with vulnerable health conditions. Consumers who develop unusual symptoms after using an affected product should contact a medical professional and mention the potential exposure.

What Consumers Should Do Now

• Stop using any product that matches the recalled names, sizes and UPC numbers.
• Do not pour the product into another dispenser or give it to someone else.
• Separate the soap from other household items until disposal instructions are confirmed.
• Wash hands with a different, unaffected product.
• Contact a health care provider if concerning symptoms develop, particularly if you are medically vulnerable.

The Intercon Chemical bacteria contamination recall comes less than a year after a much larger hand soap recall involving products sold nationwide. That earlier action raised concerns that contaminated soap could contribute to serious and potentially life-threatening infections, including sepsis.

For now, the most important step is careful product identification. Not every hand soap made by the listed companies is necessarily included, so consumers should rely on the exact product details and UPC codes rather than the brand name alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the hand soap recall?

The recall was issued because of potential bacterial contamination. Some products identified multiple bacteria, including Pseudomonas and Serratia species.

How many products are affected?

Six hand soap products are included, covering Intercon, Clearly Better, Summit 150, Vestis and Laura Lynn labels.

Does the recall affect Illinois?

Yes. The products were distributed in 16 states, including Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

What does a Class II recall mean?

The FDA says a Class II recall involves a product that may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, while serious harm is considered unlikely.

What should I do if I have recalled soap?

Stop using it, compare the package with the recalled product details and keep it separated from other household products while following disposal or return guidance.