Urgent Recall: Elbow Grease Soap Contaminated with Harmful Bacteria.

Shoppers have been urged to return Elbow Grease Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner after a government warning about bacterial contamination. The product, sold in Poundland and Savers stores, has been found to contain harmful bacteria that could pose a serious health risk.

If you purchased this soap, particularly the 500ml bottles, stop using it immediately. The contamination is linked to aerobic mesophilic bacteria, which can cause infections or irritation.

Potential Health Risks from Contaminated Soap

The Elbow Grease hand cleaner, marketed as a "super tough" product designed to remove grease, oil, and grime, has been found to carry aerobic mesophilic bacteria. These bacteria thrive in oxygen-rich environments at room temperature and can pose a serious risk to human health if they come into contact with damaged skin or eyes.

The affected product is in a 500ml clear plastic bottle with a red lid and contains a yellow gel. If you own this product, check the barcode (5053249248059) and batch code (00645) to determine if it's part of the affected lot.

What to Do If You Have the Affected Product

If you’ve purchased the contaminated Elbow Grease soap, stop using it immediately. The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued an alert advising consumers to return the product to the place of purchase.

The affected batch of soap is listed as originating from Turkey. Consumers should act promptly to prevent any risk of infection.

The alert specifically advises individuals with damaged skin or those who may accidentally come into contact with their eyes to be cautious, as these are potential entry points for infection.

Understanding Aerobic Mesophilic Bacteria

Aerobic mesophilic bacteria include microorganisms like Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae, which contains harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. These bacteria thrive in foods, but their presence in consumer products like hand soap can be dangerous, especially when the product contacts open wounds, eyes, or mucous membranes.

Infections caused by these bacteria can lead to symptoms such as pain, irritation, fever, and even more severe health issues. Bacteria like Pseudomonas can be particularly dangerous to people with weakened immune systems, such as those recovering from surgery, undergoing chemotherapy, or living with conditions like diabetes or HIV.

More Product Recalls: A Global Concern

This recall follows another major bacterial contamination issue in the U.S. involving Woolite laundry detergent.

Over 16,000 bottles of Woolite sold by Amazon were found to contain Pseudomonas bacteria, which can lead to severe infections, especially for those with compromised immune systems.

Both recalls highlight the critical need for consumers to stay informed and proactive about product safety. While no injuries have been reported so far in either recall, the risk of infection is high enough to warrant immediate action.

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