8 million laundry detergents recalled due to risk of exposure to bacteria

new York
CNN
—

Detergents and household cleaning products brand Laundress has recalled about eight million products due to the possible presence of bacteria that could pose a health risk to consumers.

The recalled items produced by the high-end boutique brand between January 2021 and September 2022 include its laundry detergents, fabric conditioner and cleaning products. The withdrawal was announced on December 1.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the affected products may contain one of several different types of bacteria, many of which are environmental organisms widely distributed in soil and water.

The CPSC warned that people with weakened immune systems, lung disease, or those who use external medical devices and are exposed to the bacteria may face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment if the bacteria is inhaled or enters the the body through the eyes or breaking the skin.

People with healthy immune systems are usually unaffected by the bacteria, he said.

Eleven users reported infections from the Pseudomonas bacteria, the commission said. The company said it is investigating the reports to determine if the infections are related to its recalled products.

The CPSC said consumers who purchased the recalled product after January 2021 should immediately stop using it and request a refund (a list of affected products is available here.) It states that consumers should dispose of the product by capping the bottle tightly and placing it in the household waste container and not emptying the product before disposal.

The Laundress products were sold on TheLaundress.com, Amazon and at stores including Bloomingdale’s, The Container Store, Saks Fifth Avenue, Target, Nordstrom, Brooklinen and other major retailers nationwide through September 2022 for between $8 and $100 .