Due to the presence of harmful bacteria, over 1,000 shampoo bottles have been recalled.

Henkel, a company based in Germany, has voluntarily recalled 1,068 units of their Tec Italy Shampoo for "dry and damaged hair" after a positive test result for Klebsiella oxytoca, a bacterium that naturally resides in the mouth, nose, and intestinal tract. The recall was initiated after the discovery of this bacterium, which, while typically harmless in the intestines, can become dangerous if it spreads to other parts of the body, including the bloodstream, potentially leading to fatal infections. Klebsiella oxytoca is known to cause serious infections in individuals with weakened immune systems, resulting in a death rate of 10-20% among those affected.

The shampoo in question was distributed by C&R Beauty, Caesar’s Professional Items Inc., and Vero Beauty Distributors, who sourced the products from a manufacturing plant in Mexico. These products were sold directly to salons, where customers could purchase them. Despite Tec Italy being a popular brand in stores such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon, the affected units were not distributed through these mainstream retailers.

The recall applies to shampoo bottles with the lot code 1G27542266 and an expiration date of May 27, 2027. Although no illnesses have been reported so far, the affected products have been classified as a Class II recall by the FDA. This designation suggests that while the potential for serious health consequences is low, there remains a risk of temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.

This recall follows a previous one in January, when Tonico Shampoo from Tec Italy was recalled due to potential E. coli contamination. Although Klebsiella oxytoca is usually considered a healthy bacterium in the gut, it can lead to serious conditions if it enters the bloodstream or other areas of the body. Symptoms of infection may include pneumonia-like signs such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, and a cough, along with pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and painful urination. Infections that spread to the bloodstream can be fatal, especially for those with compromised immune systems or chronic health issues.

Infections from Klebsiella oxytoca are rare, affecting fewer than 100 people in the United States each year. However, the fatality rate for bloodstream infections is alarmingly high, with estimates suggesting 10-20% of those infected may die from complications. The specific rate of infections progressing to the bloodstream remains unclear.

The FDA has not yet provided specific guidance on how to safely dispose of the affected products, leaving many customers uncertain about the best course of action. Given the potential risks associated with these bacteria, consumers who have purchased the affected shampoo are urged to contact the relevant distributors or retailers for advice on returns or disposal.

As of now, there have been no reports of illness linked to the recalled products, but the situation remains under close monitoring by health authorities. It is important for those who may have purchased the affected products from salons to stay informed and take appropriate action to prevent any potential health risks.