A shampoo manufacturer has initiated a nationwide recall of two of its products due to concerns that the shampoos may be contaminated with a drug-resistant bacterium that could harm users. Here’s what you need to know about the shampoo recall and the bacterium at the center of it.
What’s happened?
Last week, the consumer products company, Kao USA Inc., announced a voluntary recall of two products made by its subsidiary Oribe, which makes various haircare products, including shampoos and conditioners. One day after Kao announced the recall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted the recall notice on its website.
The recall covers two shampoo products that have the possibility of being contaminated with a bacterium called Pluralibacter gergoviae. There is a chance the bacteria could cause an infection in the user, which could cause severe health consequences in select individuals.
What products are recalled?
According to Kao’s recall notice, two products are being recalled. Those products are:
- Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo 8.5 oz size (UPC 840035231242) with the lot code YR010556
- Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo 33.8 oz size (UPC 840035231273) with the lot codes YR010566 and YR010576
The affected products were manufactured between February 21, 2026 and February 26, 2026.
What is Pluralibacter gergoviae?
Pluralibacter gergoviae is a bacterium that is sometimes associated with cosmetic product recalls. The bacterium has resistance against many of the common preservatives found in the cosmetics and personal care industry, according to Melbec Microbiology.
While Pluralibacter gergoviae infection is rare in healthy individuals, the bacterium can cause severe infections in individuals with:
- chronic illnesses
- weakened immune systems
- those undergoing surgical procedures
Melbec Microbiology says Pluralibacter gergoviae infections have been linked to conditions including sepsis, eye infections, respiratory diseases, and urinary tract infections.
Kao’s recall notice states, “Though Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria pose little medical risk to healthy people, those with certain health issues such as weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection by the bacteria.”
Where were the recalled products sold?
According to the recall notice, the affected products were sold nationwide in the United States and Canada.
The products were sold at salons and other retailers.
What should I do if I have the recalled products?
Kao says anyone who has the recalled products should discontinue their use.
The company says you can arrange a replacement for the recalled products by contacting the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or emailing them at oribecomplaints@kao.com.