Recall alert: This common household product has been recalled due to contamination with a dangerous bacteria
The FDA announced that several brands of soap have been recalled due to contamination with Burkholderia cepacia.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shared an announcement from DermaRite Industries, which has recalled hand soaps and other personal hygiene products due to microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepacia.
According to the FDA notice, the recalled products—including the brands DermaKleen, DermaSarra, KleenFoam, and PeriGiene—were distributed nationwide in the United States and Puerto Rico. Here are the descriptions of the recalled products:
- DermaKleen: is an over-the-counter antiseptic healthcare lotion soap with vitamin E indicated for handwashing to reduce bacteria on the skin.
- DermaSarra: is an over-the-counter external analgesic indicated for the temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to: dry skin, insect bites, detergents, sunburns.
- KleenFoam: is an over-the-counter antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera indicated for handwashing to reduce bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after caring for a sick person, or before contact with a person under care or treatment. doctor.
- PeriGiene: is an over-the-counter antiseptic cleanser indicated for use on the perineal area.
Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Mary Goldberg at 973-569-9000, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, or email voluntary.action@dermarite.com. Additionally, consumers should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any issues that may be related to the use of these products.
What is Burkholderia cepacia?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Burkholderia cepacia (Bcc) is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water.
Symptoms can range from none at all to severe respiratory infections, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis, chronic lung diseases, or weakened immune systems. Other symptoms may include fever or fatigue.
According to the FDA’s risk statement, the Burkholderia cepacia complex found in these products can cause “serious and potentially life-threatening infections.” In healthy individuals with minor skin injuries, use of the product is more likely to cause localized infections. However, in immunocompromised individuals, the infection is more likely to spread to the bloodstream, potentially leading to life-threatening sepsis.
So far, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to the recalled products. Treatment should be prescribed on a case-by-case basis, but generally includes antibiotics. Unfortunately, many strains of the B. cepacia complex are resistant to antibiotics, making them difficult to treat, according to the CDC.
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