Summary (tl;dr)

Intercon Chemical Co. has initiated a Class II recall for six hand soap products due to potential bacterial contamination, including strains like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens, posing health risks, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

Essential Background

Intercon Chemical Co., a St. Louis-based manufacturer, first initiated a voluntary recall of six of its hand soap products on June 29, 2026, due to concerns about bacterial contamination. The recall covers more than 2,600 combined cases across the six products, which include Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap, Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, and two Laura Lynn varieties.

The Full Story

On September 11, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assigned a Class II risk classification to Intercon Chemical Co.'s ongoing hand soap recall. This classification indicates that exposure to the contaminated products is unlikely to cause lasting harm, with any health consequences expected to be temporary or reversible, though the chance of serious outcomes is considered remote. Two of the recalled products, Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe and Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, were found to be potentially contaminated with several bacterial strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens, and Serratia nematodiphila. These bacteria can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and bloodstream infections, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. The affected hand soaps were distributed through wholesalers and one retailer to 15 states: California, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Why It Matters

This recall is significant because it highlights potential health risks associated with everyday hygiene products, particularly for vulnerable populations. The presence of harmful bacteria in hand soap can lead to infections, emphasizing the importance of product safety and quality control. Consumers who have purchased these recalled products are advised to discontinue use immediately and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms. The FDA's classification and public notification serve to inform the public and prevent further exposure to potentially contaminated products.

Geographic Location

• St. Louis, St. Louis County, Missouri, United States (Intercon Chemical Co. headquarters, where the recall was initiated and products manufactured)
• California, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Roswell, Fulton County, Georgia, United States (Vestis product distributed by Vestis)
• Georgia, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Illinois, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Iowa, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Maryland, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Mississippi, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Nebraska, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• New York, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Conover, Catawba County, North Carolina, United States (Summit 150 product manufactured for R.I. Williams Company)
• Asheville, Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States (Laura Lynn products distributed by Ingles Markets, Inc.)
• North Carolina, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• North Dakota, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Pennsylvania, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• South Carolina, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Texas, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Washington, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)
• Wisconsin, United States (distribution of recalled hand soap)