Stop Using the Recalled Lotion, Which May Contain Bacteria
When Jergens first hit the market over a century ago , it was an instant hit, and thanks to generational brand loyalty, it is still relevant today. If you fell into this category, or simply bought Jergens lotion because you had dry hands this winter, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges you to test the product as it may be part of a voluntary recall. Here’s what you need to know.
Why is lotion being recalled?
Kao USA Inc. – the company that owns Jergens products – has announced a voluntary recall of certain Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer products because they may contain the bacterium Pluralibacter gergoviae. Although it does not usually put people with a functioning immune system at risk, it can cause infections in people who are immunosuppressed.
In addition to informing consumers about the recall, Kao USA Inc. has removed affected products from its warehouses and is working with retailers to ensure that the product is also removed from store shelves.
“We are working with our partners to improve our cleaning and disinfection practices so that similar problems can be prevented in the future,” the company said in a statement about the recall published by the FDA .
What products are part of the recall?
The only products included in the voluntary recall are the 3oz and 10oz Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer. They were produced between October 1, 2021 and October 18, 2021 and all have batch codes beginning with “ZU”.
Here is the full list of UPC codes and lots of recalled lotions provided by the FDA :
Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer (3 oz)
- UPC 019100109971 for single bottles
- UPC 019100267114 for pack of 3
- Lot codes: ZU712851, ZU712871, ZU712911, ZU722881, ZU712861, ZU712881 and ZU722851
Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer (10 oz)
- SKP 019100109988
- Lot codes: ZU722741, ZU722781, ZU732791, ZU732811, ZU722771, ZU732781, ZU732801 and ZU732821
What to do if you bought a recalled lotion
As with any recall, discontinue use of the products in question immediately. But unlike many recall cases where consumers are asked to throw away products, Kao is demanding that everyone with the lotion send it back to them. As the bacterial contamination investigation continues, the returned lotion can be used to obtain additional information about the extent of the problem.
To return the lotion, call the Kao USA Inc. Consumer Care Center. call 1.800.742.8798 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) or send an email to Consumer@kao.com.
Along with the coupon for the free product, the company will also send a prepaid postage label and a plastic bag to make it as easy as possible to return the product.