Health authorities are urging shoppers to return certain cleaning products after concerns arose about potential bacterial contamination.

Hand Soap Recall: What You Need to Know

Consumers who purchased Elbow Grease Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner should check their bottles immediately.

The 500ml soap, sold in Poundland and Savers stores, has been flagged for containing aerobic mesophilic bacteria, which can pose a risk to users.

According to the Office for Product Safety and Standards, this bacteria could cause infections or irritation if the soap is used on damaged skin or makes contact with the eyes.

The affected product can be identified by the barcode 5053249248059 and batch code 00645.

Shoppers are advised to stop using the soap right away and return it to the store for a refund.

The soap comes in a clear plastic bottle with a red lid, filled with yellow hand cleansing gel.

The product’s origin is listed as Turkey.

What Are Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria?

These bacteria thrive in temperatures between 20-45°C and can spread rapidly when exposed to oxygen.

Common types include Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae (which includes E. coli and Salmonella), Lactobacillus, and Streptococcus.

Such bacteria are known to contaminate foods like meat, dairy products, and fresh produce, causing unpleasant odors, discoloration, and even food poisoning.

Serious cases of Salmonella and E. coli infections can lead to severe health risks.

Laundry Detergent Recall in the U.S.

Meanwhile, a separate recall has been issued in the United States for over 16,000 bottles of Woolite detergent sold on Amazon in January.

These bottles may contain harmful Pseudomonas species bacteria, including Pseudomonas oleovorans.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that individuals with weakened immune systems or medical devices are at higher risk of infection.

This includes people with severe burns, those recovering from surgery, individuals undergoing chemotherapy, and those with conditions like diabetes, HIV, or cystic fibrosis.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Exposure to these bacteria can lead to various symptoms depending on the type of infection.

Possible signs include:

Ear pain, itching, or discharge
Skin rashes
Red, painful eyes
Coughing and chest congestion
Joint pain, stiffness, fever, and fatigue

So far, no injuries or incidents related to this detergent recall have been reported.

Customers who purchased the affected Woolite bottles are encouraged to contact the manufacturer, Reckitt, for a full refund.

What Should You Do Next?

If you have the contaminated soap or detergent in your home, stop using them immediately.

Follow the recommended steps for returns and refunds to ensure your safety and peace of mind.