Full Breakdown
FDA Upgrades Hand Soap Recall to Class II Over Potential Bacterial Contamination
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Core Event: Recall Classification and Scope
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration re-classified a voluntary recall of six hand-soap products as a Class II recall on September 11, 2026. The recall, initiated by Intercon Chemical Co. of St. Louis on June 29, 2026, involves products that may be contaminated with *Pseudomonas* and *Serratia* bacteria.
Background & Context
Intercon issued the initial recall after internal testing indicated possible bacterial contamination. The FDA’s classification triggers broader distribution of safety information to consumers, wholesalers, and retailers. The recall affects 15 states: California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Products, Distribution, and Quantities
The six affected products, their UPC numbers, and lot codes are:
| Product | Size | UPC | Lot codes | Reported cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap with Aloe | 28.7 fl oz | 789745002981 | AF97312, 26-01001, 26-01803 | 693–1,040 |
| Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap with Aloe | 34 fl oz | 789745002615 | 26-01001, 26-01803 | 143 |
| Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap | 28.7 fl oz | 810080570030 | BF97303-BF97305 | 1,040 |
| Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent | 33.8 fl oz | 810080570405 | 26-03091 | 225 |
| Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap | 8 fl oz | 086854074305 | C3576, 26-01804 | 301 |
| Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers | 7.5 fl oz | 08685407408 | 26-01001 | 294 |
The products were shipped to 20 consignees—19 wholesalers and one retailer—across the listed states, including bulk institutional supplies and retail sales (Laura Lynn line sold at Ingles Markets).
Health Risks and Expert Commentary
The FDA identified *P. aeruginosa*, *P. putida*, *P. monteilii*, *S. marcescens* and *S. nematodiphila* as potential contaminants. The CDC notes *P. aeruginosa* infections usually occur in health-care settings and can be antibiotic-resistant. The Cleveland Clinic describes *Serratia* species as opportunistic bacteria that may cause bloodstream, lung, or urinary-tract infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled soaps.
Official Guidance for Consumers
- Stop using any listed soap immediately.
- Verify product size, UPC, lot code, and best-by date against the recall list.
- Discard the product or return it for a refund; Ingles Markets offers refunds for the two Laura Lynn items.
- Monitor for signs of infection (fever, chills, wound redness, painful urination, breathing difficulty) and contact a health-care provider if symptoms develop.
- Report adverse reactions through the FDA’s MedWatch program.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the total number of recalled cases. USA Today cites “2,696 cases,” while product-specific counts sum to roughly 3,900. The FDA’s enforcement report does not publish an aggregated count, and the recall notice does not specify distribution sites within each state, leaving uncertainty about remaining inventory in schools, workplaces, or health-care settings.
What’s Next
The FDA says the recall remains ongoing with no announced end date. The agency may update the enforcement record if additional lots are identified or new health information emerges. Consumers and institutions should watch for further FDA communications.