Intercon Hand Soap Recall: Which Products Are Affected and What to Do
Summary: Readers will learn which six hand soap products Intercon Chemical Co. recalled after potential bacterial contamination was found, where the products were sold, and what to do if a recalled bottle is in their home or workplace.
A voluntary recall with a federal classification
St. Louis-based Intercon Chemical Co. recalled six hand soap products after testing raised concerns about potential bacterial contamination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration later classified the action as a Class II recall. That classification means use of a product could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, while the risk of serious health consequences is considered remote.
The six products to check
NBC News reported the recalled products as:
- Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, 28.7 fl. oz.
- Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, 34 fl. oz.
- Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap, 28.7 fl. oz.
- Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent, 33.8 fl. oz.
- Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap, 8 fl. oz.
- Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap With Moisturizers, 7.5 fl. oz.
Where the recalled soap was sold
NBC News lists the affected states as California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
The Desert Sun reported that the recall covers more than 2,600 cases distributed to 20 companies, including wholesale distributors and one retailer. Because the soap moved through wholesalers, it could appear in workplaces, schools, health care settings, and other public locations, not only on retail shelves.
What testing flagged
The potential contamination involves five bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens, and Serratia nematodiphila. The brand name alone is not enough to go on. The recall notice tells consumers to compare lot codes, UPC numbers, and best-by dates on the packaging before deciding whether a product is affected.
What to do with a recalled bottle
Health officials recommend the following steps:
- Stop using the soap immediately.
- Compare lot codes, UPC numbers, and best-by dates against the recall notice.
- Remove affected products from homes, workplaces, and public-use areas.
- Monitor for signs of infection if the soap was used.
- Contact a health care provider if symptoms develop.
Consumers can also report adverse reactions or quality concerns to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Reporting Program.
What is still unclear
As of the recall notice, there was no confirmed information on whether Intercon would offer refunds. Anyone who bought one of the recalled soaps should ask the retailer or contact Intercon directly for return instructions.
Why this recall deserves a second look
A hand soap recall is easy to dismiss because soap is a routine household item. The distribution pattern is what makes this one different. The affected bottles may be sitting in shared bathrooms in schools, offices, or medical facilities where many people use them. Comparing a label takes seconds, and removing a recalled bottle from circulation is the one step consumers can control.