Intercon Chemical Co. recalled 2,696 cases of hand soap on June 29, and the Food and Drug Administration later classified the action as a Class II risk on September 11. The change matters because the soap was already pulled voluntarily, but the federal label now puts a sharper point on what could happen if the products stay in use.
The recall covers six hand soap products sold across 15 states, though the specific states have not been listed. People who have any of the affected soap were told to stop using it immediately, and anyone who used it and starts feeling unwell was told to seek medical attention right away.
The action followed testing that raised concerns about possible bacterial contamination, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens and Serratia nematodiphila. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Pseudomonas and Serratia are bacteria often tied to infections acquired in healthcare settings, even though they are also naturally present in the environment, including soil and water.
That combination is why the recall did not stay a routine warehouse correction. The FDA said exposure to the affected soap could lead to temporary or medically reversible health effects, which helps explain why a voluntary recall in late June ended up with a Class II designation in early September. What is still not clear is whether Intercon is offering refunds to customers who bought the soap. For now, the safest move is simple: check any hand soap on hand, and if it matches the recall, stop using it.
