Sunday, December 18, 2022

8 Million Popular Cleaning Products Recalled Over Bacterial Contamination Concern

Story by Shannen Zitz • 

Everything to Know About FDA Recalls

The Laundress has recalled approximately eight million units of cleaning products over bacterial contamination.

Burkholderia cepacia complex, Klebsiella aerogenes, and various species of Pseudomonas were discovered in the products.

Those with affected products should stop use immediately and follow appropriate disposal instructions.

On December 1st, The Laundress announced a voluntary recall of millions of household cleaning products due to bacterial contamination. The brand made the announcement via an Instagram post and is in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada.

The recalled products, which include various lots of all of the brand’s laundry and cleaning products, may contain a variety of bacteria, “including Burkholderia cepacia complex, Klebsiella aerogenes, and multiple different species of Pseudomonas,” according to the CPSC. Those with weakened immune systems, external medical devices, and underlying lung conditions who are exposed to the bacteria face a serious risk of infection that could require medical treatment. The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, breaks in the skin, or if inhaled. Symptoms of these types of bacteria include fever, chills, serious upper respiratory infections to no symptoms at all, and vary based on each type. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria, per the CPSC.


The Laundress voluntarily recalled around eight million units of laundry and cleaning products after multiple different species of bacteria were detected.
© Evgeniia Siiankovskaia - Getty Images

The recalled products are:

Products with lot codes that begin with the letter F and the last four digits are numbered 9354 or lower
Products with lot codes that begin with the letter H and the last four digits are numbered 2262 or lower
Products with lot codes that begin with the letter T and the last four digits are numbered 5264 or lower


The products were sold at TheLaundress.com, Amazon.com, Target, Bloomingdales, The Container Store, and other major retailers through September 2022, per the CPSC.

Anybody with contaminated products should immediately stop using and “dispose of the product by closing the bottle tightly and placing it in household trash,” The Laundress explained. “Do not empty the product prior to disposal.”

The company shared information about the recall with their customers today, urging those with affected products to cease use and navigate to their website (www.TheLaundressRecall.com) for more information about refunds, specific products involved in the recall, and product disposal.



The brand took to social media to delve a bit deeper into what happened. “We deeply apologize to all our loyal customers for this situation,” the brand wrote. “We are undertaking decisive steps with our suppliers to ensure production processes meet our safety and quality standards. Sincerely, The Laundress Team.”

Their announcement on Instagram followed a string of other updates from the brand regarding product safety beginning two weeks before the official recall. On November 17, the brand posted a “safety notice” warning customers of the “potential presence of elevated levels of bacteria in some of our products that present a safety concern.” The CPSC noted at the time of their press release that there are 11 customers who have reported Pseudomonas infections, which are under investigation for connection to the recalled products.

On November 19th, the brand posted an update, noting the creation of an FAQ page for concerns related to the recall, writing: “We are working hard to provide as much clarity to you as possible and we understand the concerns you may feel as we await answers.”

Customers were understandably upset about the safety issues and the brand’s slowness in providing information. “This is really alarming,” one customer commented on the brand’s Instagram post announcing the recall. “I love your products but to have this kind of issue with products that are so expensive and then such a vague safety notice?”

Another added: “The more I think about this the more infuriated I become. The Laundress is the only detergent I have ever used on my 15-month-old daughter’s clothes, blankets, towels, etc. At the price points we pay for these ‘luxury’ products, this is absolutely something we should never, EVER have to worry about.”

If you have questions about the recall or would like to request reimbursement for the purchase of the affected product, you can visit The Laundress’ voluntary recall website or email the company at customerservice@thelaundress.com.

Talk to your physician if you have any health concerns related to using the product involved in the recall.

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