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    Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer Recalled Due to Possible Bacterial Contamination

    The voluntary recall includes certain lots of the moisturizer in 3-ounce and 10-ounce bottles

    Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer Source: FDA

    Kao USA, owners of the lotion brand Jergens, announced a recall of 3- and 10-ounce bottles of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer today because of possible bacterial contamination.

    Some of these bottles could be contaminated with bacteria known as Pluralibacter gergoviae. The bacteria can pose a health risk to people with weakened immune systems who may have higher susceptibility to infections, according to an announcement posted by the Food and Drug Administration. Healthy people face little medical risk from the pathogen.

    CR’s senior scientist, Michael Hansen, PhD, notes that evidence suggests this particular bacteria can enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin—a concern for lotion. The same bacteria also prompted a recall of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes in October 2020.

    More on product recalls

    Personal care products can be contaminated with bacteria due to poor manufacturing conditions, inadequate storage conditions, consumer use, and more, according to the FDA. It’s unknown how this particular product might have been contaminated. “Further investigation to determine the scope of the issue is still ongoing,” says the company’s posted announcement.

    In a statement provided to CR, the company said it is "continuing to work with our partners on improved cleaning and sanitization practices so that similar issues can be prevented in the future."

    In addition to issuing a consumer recall, Kao USA is removing potentially affected lotions from its warehouses and working to get them off store shelves. Products manufactured between Oct. 1 and Oct. 18, 2021, with certain UPC and lot codes could be affected. 

    If you have a 3-ounce bottle of the Ultra Healing Moisturizer, check the back for one of the following lot codes:

    • ZU712851
    • ZU712861
    • ZU712871
    • ZU712881
    • ZU712911
    • ZU722851
    • ZU722881

    If you have a 10-ounce bottle, check the bottom for the following lot codes:

    • ZU722741
    • ZU722771
    • ZU722781
    • ZU732781
    • ZU732791
    • ZU732801
    • ZU732811
    • ZU732821

    You can check this list of codes. If you have a bottle with one of these codes, call 800-742-8798 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or email consumer@kao.com to receive a coupon for a free replacement, and to get a paid postage label and packaging sent to you for sending back the recalled lotion.


    Catherine Roberts

    Catherine Roberts is a health and science journalist at Consumer Reports. She has been at CR since 2016, covering infectious diseases, bugs and bug sprays, consumer medical devices like hearing aids and blood pressure monitors, health privacy, and more. As a civilian, her passions include bike rides, horror films and fiction, and research rabbit holes. Follow her on X: @catharob.