Popular shampoo is urgently recalled because it contains bacteria that kills up to one in TEN patients
More than 1,000 bottles of shampoo have been recalled due to containing deadly bacteria.
Germany-based Henkel voluntarily recalled 1,068 units of its Tec Italy Shampoo for ‘dry and damaged hair’ after the product tested positive for the Klebsiella oxytoca, a bacterium naturally found in the intestinal tract, mouth, and nose.
While the bacteria is harmless inside the intestinal tract, it can kill anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of patients if it migrates to other areas like the bloodstream.
According to the FDA, recalled products were shipped from a facility in Mexico to the distributors C&R Beauty, Caesar’s Professional Products Inc, and Vero Beauty Distributors.
While Tec Italy is a popular brand sold at stores like Walmart, Target and Amazon, the affected products were sold directly to salons, where customers can purchase them.
It’s unclear how many salons sold the products and how many customers purchased them.
There have been no illnesses reported so far.
Affected products have an expiration date of May 27, 2027, and have the lot code 1G27542266.
Henkel voluntarily recalled 1,068 units of its Tec Italy Shampoo for ‘dry and damaged hair’ after the product tested positive for the Klebsiella oxytoca (stock image)
The recall was designated Class II, which refers to ‘a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.’
The above image shows Tec Italy’s shampoo for dry or damaged hair. It’s unclear if this is the exact product recalled
The recall comes after Tec Italy’s Tonico Shampoo was recalled in January due to potential contamination with E coli bacteria.
Klebsiella oxytoca is considered healthy bacteria when it stays in the intestines.
However, if it enters the body through other areas like the bloodstream, it can lead to pneumonia-like symptoms such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, and cough.
Patients may also experience pain during urination, lower abdominal pain, and vomiting.
While most patients recover with antibiotics or rest, others with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions may develop additional infections in the lungs or bloodstream, as well as sepsis.
Because Klebsiella oxytoca infection is rare – striking 100 Americans every year – the mortality rate varies.
It’s unclear how many of these infections spread to the bloodstream.
Estimates suggest Klebsiella oxytoca infection kills 10 to 20 percent of patients.
The FDA has not listed specific guidance for disposing of affected products.
