‘Do not use’: Urgent warning issued as health chiefs recall hand wash contaminated by potentially deadly bacteria

Shoppers have been urged to return bottles of a popular hand soap after Government officials warned they could be contaminated with infection-causing bugs.

Makers of Elbow Grease Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner, sold in Poundland and Savers stores, claim the wash is ‘super tough’ and ‘breaks down grease, oil and grime’.

Yet some batches have been found to pose ‘a microbiological risk’ and they have been tainted by ‘aerobic mesophilic bacteria’.

If used on damaged skin, or if it comes into contact with the eyes, the product may cause infection or irritation, according to an alert from the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Consumers who purchased the 500ml sized of the soap should immediately stop using it and check for the barcode 5053249248059 and batch code 00645.

Turkey was given as country of origin and the product was described as ‘a clear plastic bottle with red lid containing yellow hand cleansing gel’.

‘If [your] product is part of the affected batch, consumers should return the item to their place of purchase as soon as possible,’ the alert states.

Mesophilic aerobic bacteria are microorganisms that thrive at room temperate or warmer environments—between 20-45°C—when exposed to oxygen. 

They include Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae—bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella belong to this family—Lactobacillus and Streptococcus.

Mesophilic aerobic bacteria can multiply rapidly in foods such as meat, dairy products, vegetables and fruit. 

They can cause acidic tastes, bad odors, discoloration and deterioration in foods—and can pose a threat to human health.

Salmonella and E.coli are common caused sometimes severe and even life-threatening food poisoning.

The news comes says after an urgent recall for popular laundry detergent in the US, over potentially deadly bacteria contamination.

More than 16,000 bottles of Woolite, sold by Amazon in January, may contain Pseudomonas species bacteria, including Pseudomonas oleovorans. 

‘People with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to the bacteria face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment,’ the the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Others at high risk for Pseudomonas infections include those who have severe burns, are recovering from surgery, use a breathing machine or catheter, are undergoing chemotherapy and those with diabetes, HIV or cystic fibrosis, the CDC states.

‘The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria.’

Consumers can be exposed to the bacteria either by coming in contact with the detergent itself or clothes that have been washed in it.

Symptoms vary based on the location and severity of the infection, but can include pain, itching or liquid discharge from the ears; skin rashes; red, painful eyes; coughing and chest congestion; joint pain, stiffness, fever and fatigue.

So far, no incidents or injuries have been reported.

If your detergent is subject to this recall, contact the manufacturer, Reckitt, for a full refund, the CPSC said.