FDA Classifies Hand Soap Recall Over Bacterial Contamination Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a voluntary recall of six hand soap products as Class II, indicating a risk of temporary or medically reversible health consequences. The recall, initiated by Intercon Chemical Co. of St. Louis on June 29, was formally assigned the Class II status on September 11. The classification applies to six liquid and foaming hand soaps distributed to 19 wholesale companies and one retail company across 15 states. Two of the recalled products tested positive for potential contamination with multiple strains of Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant species. According to the FDA, these bacteria can cause serious infections, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections, particularly in vulnerable individuals. The affected products are Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap with Aloe and Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap with Aloe. Four additional hand soaps were recalled for potential bacterial contamination, though specific organisms were not named.