Shampoo Recalled After Potentially Deadly Bacteria Found in Bottles - Newsweek

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Henkel Capital S.A. de C.V., also known as Henkel, has issued a voluntary recall of its Tec Italy Shampoo Totale after routine testing revealed some products had been contaminated with harmful bacteria known as Klebsiella oxytoca.

Henkel responded to Newsweek's request for comment by saying that it did not have any additional comment to add outside of what was already shared in its press release.

According to Healthline, if a person becomes infected with the bacteria, it can result in pneumonia-like symptoms such as:

According to a press release published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday, the shampoo was recalled as some bottles were believed to potentially be contaminated with Klebsiella oxytoca.

The product, sold in 33.81 fluid ounce (300 ml) bottles, is marked with lot number 1G27542266 and has the UPC code 7501438375850.

The FDA release stated that 1,068 units worth of the product were distributed to New York and California, but the shampoo may also have been distributed to other states, as well as sold to consumers at the retail level.

The FDA did not specify when the shampoo had been distributed, but classified the recall as a Class II recall, according to reports, meaning that "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

There have been no illnesses reported as of March 26 in relation to the recalled product, but any consumers who have experienced any symptoms, or have any questions or concerns about the recall, should speak to a healthcare provider.

Klebsiella oxytoca, one of several Klebsiella bacteria, is naturally found in the intestinal tract, mouth, and nose, and although they're considered healthy in your intestines, outside the gut, these bacteria can cause serious infections, particularly for those with compromised immune systems or underlying lung conditions.

Lesley Hoyles, a professor of microbiome and systems biology at Nottingham Trent University, England, told Newsweek: "It is highly unlikely that a person who used shampoo containing this bacterium would become unwell. In rare instances it is possible that some individuals may get minor infections. Obviously the risk of infection is increased in the immunocompromised and frail."

She added: "Klebsiella oxytoca represents a complex of diverse bacteria. Some types of Klebsiella oxytoca are known to be able to survive in detergents, like shampoo, better than many other bacteria. This may be a reason why the shampoo has been subject to contamination by this particular bacterium."

Any consumers who have bought the product should stop using it and return it to their place of purchase for a full refund, the FDA said in its report.

Update 03/27/25, 12:18 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Henkel.

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