A recall has been issued for Woolite laundry detergent due to possible contamination with bacteria that can cause serious, sometimes deadly infections.
The voluntary recall applies to more than 16,000 bottles of certain 50 fluid-ounce bottles that were sold on Amazon in January.
Consumers who purchased the detergent have been urged to immediately stop using it and check bottles for lot codes S24364, S24365 or S24366, which are found near the lid on top.
If the bottle displays one of the codes, it could 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.
Consumers who purchased Woolite Delicates detergent from Amazon in January have been urged to immediately stop using it and check their bottles for lot codes S24364, S24365 or S24366. This code can be found on the back of the bottle just below the cap
Consumers who purchased the recalled detergent can receive a full refund for the purchase. However, they have been told to stop using the detergent immediately
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.
To do that, write your name and ‘recalled’ on the back of the bottle in permanent marker and snap a photo with the Universal Product Code (UPC) and lot code visible.
The lot code is listed just below the cap, and the UPC is printed vertically along the left side of the barcode near the bottom of the bottle.
Then, email the photo to [email protected].
After you receive your refund, close the bottle tightly and throw it away. Do not empty it before disposal and do not attempt to recycle the bottle, the agency warned.
Pseudomonas infections are relatively common, especially in healthcare settings.
The most prevalent infectious strain of this bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causes an estimated 51,000 infections in hospital patients per year, the CDC states.
Of these, more than 6,000 (13 percent) are antibiotic resistant and cause roughly 440 fatalities per year.
If the bottle displays one of these codes, it could contain Pseudomonas species bacteria, including Pseudomonas oleovorans: an infectious organism found widely in soil and water, according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission
When these infections turn serious, they can lead to sepsis, peritonitis (inflammation abdomen or stomach lining) and meningitis.
But in most people with healthy immune systems, Pseudomonas infections cause mild symptoms that can be treated with antibiotics.
Those who become infected can be contagious.
The bacteria usually passes from person to person via contaminated surfaces or hands.
To prevent Pseudomonas from spreading, the CDC advises washing hands well and often, frequently disinfecting surfaces and covering any open wounds.
If you believe you have contracted a Pseudomonas infection, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to begin treatment.
