A New Jersey manufacturer is voluntarily recalling dozens of lots of over-the-counter soaps and skin care products after a dangerous bacterium was discovered during testing.
DermaRite Industries LLC, announced the recall on Aug. 8 after Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) was detected in batches of four products that it sells and distributes nationwide.
Bcc is a group of bacteria found in water and soil, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It can spread from person to person and cause chronic lung infections, particularly in those with cystic fibrosis or other chronic lung diseases.
In the Food and Drug Administration's Aug. 9 publication of the announcement, the agency noted that Bcc poses a risk to everyone but those who are immunocompromised or those caring for them are at high risk.
DermaRite Industries says it has yet to receive reports of illnesses or events related to the recall.
To identify the products in the DermaRite recall, check your products' brand names and lot numbers, which are usually printed on the bottle, bag or outer box.
The recalled products were distributed across the United States and in Puerto Rico.
If you purchased the recalled items, discontinue use immediately. If you are experiencing adverse effects from the use of the discontinued products, contact a health care provider.
Consumers in possession of the recalled items can email voluntary.action@dermarite.com.
To report adverse effects, contact FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online.
Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water that can cause a range of symptoms in humans, from serious lung infection to fever and fatigue.
While an infection with Bcc isn't much of a risk to healthy individuals, people with chronic lung conditions may experience more severe symptoms. "In immunocompromised individuals the infection is more likely to spread into blood stream leading to life-threatening sepsis," or the body's extreme response to an infection, per the FDA.
It spreads from contact with contaminated water, soil or surfaces, or person to person, usually in patients with cystic fibrosis.
It's treated with antibiotics, but it can be resistant to antibiotics, which can make it difficult to treat.