A batch of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer, popularly used by parents and kids, has been recalled due to bacterial contamination. The makers of the product, Kao USA, urge consumers to check their supply at home.
Kao USA, based in Cincinnati, announced the voluntary recall through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and cited that a limited number of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer might have traces of Pluralibacter gergoviae.
The FDA stated that this bacterium "poses little medical risk" among healthy individuals, but it can trigger infections among people with compromised immunities. So far, there are no reported cases of infection. Nevertheless, the FDA and Kao USA ask consumers, especially parents, to stop using the product if they have a contaminated bottle.
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What Batch of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer are Affected?
The recall order covers Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizers manufactured between October 1 to 18, 2021. Kao USA makes two sizes for this product in 3oz and 10oz bottles. Each bottle is identified with a lot code printed at the bottom.
The batches for recall have these lot codes for the small sizes: ZU712851, ZU712871, ZU722881, ZU722851, ZU712881, ZU712861, and ZU712911. The bigger bottles cover the following lot codes: ZU722741, ZU722781, ZU732791, ZU732811, ZU722771, ZU732781, ZU732801, and ZU732821.
Other lots of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizers and products made at the Kao USA facility are not affected. The company has also initiated precautionary measures to remove the bad batches at their distribution centers and has informed retailers about taking these down from their store shelves.
Dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Fromowitz told Allure that Pluralibacter gergoviae had been implicated in other product recalls relating to skincare in the past. In 2020, Cottonelle from Kimberly-Clark also announced a recall of its wipes due to the same bacterial contamination. The company received complaints of skin irritation but with no reported severe cases.
The bacterium is a concern because children, senior adults, and those with weakened immunities are most at risk and may even be hospitalized if they develop an infection after prolonged use of the product.
What Parents Must Do if They Have a Bad Batch
According to Kao USA, parents who may have a contaminated supply can contact the Kao USA Consumer Care Center by phoning 1-800-742-8798 or emailing consumer@kao.com to receive a replacement coupon. They will also receive a paid package to send the affected Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizers back to Kao USA.
"Kao USA cares about our consumers' safety," the company said, per NBC News. "We are committed to manufacturing products that not only meet, but exceed, the highest industry standards."
Meanwhile, the FDA also advised consumers to report any adverse event due to using this product by calling 1- 800-332-1088. Serious cases are rare, but those who develop an infection might experience skin irritation, high fever, some vomiting or nausea, respiratory complications, and physical weakness.
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