A popular shampoo has been urgently recalled over concern it may be contaminated with a bacteria that can “cause significant infection or illness”.
Product Safety Australia issued the recall for an A’kin shampoo which is marketed as fragrance free, “natural” and “mild”.
The consumer watchdog urged anyone who bought a 225mL bottle of A’kin Fragrance-Free Mild and Gentle Hypoallergenic Shampoo between 1 September and 11 October to immediately stop using the product.
There is concern the product is contaminated with Enterobacter gergoviae, a bacteria sometimes found in cosmetics products that is resistant to several antibiotics, including penicillin.
“Cosmetic products contaminated with Enterobacter gergoviae may cause significant infection or illness, especially if the user is immunocompromised,” Product Safety Australia said in a statement.
Enterobacter gergoviae can cause a number of infections, including lower respiratory tract infections and UTIs.
The shampoo is widely distributed in Australia, including at health food stores, major supermarkets and pharmacies.
Anyone who bought the product with the batch number AW1B01 may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, the ACCC advises.
Product Safety Australia stated that anyone concerned about their health after using the product should seek medical advice.
