October 8, 2026 – Washington Co., Wi – You wash your hands to get rid of germs. So it’s unsettling to learn the soap itself could be the problem.
In September, the FDA announced a recall of six hand soaps that may contain harmful bacteria. A lot of you have asked me about it at the market, so here’s what happened, how to check your bottles, and what I look for in a soap I’d trust for my own family.
What was recalled
Intercon Chemical Co. of St. Louis voluntarily recalled six hand soaps, announced September 16, 2026. FDA testing found two of them may be contaminated with Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and S. marcescens, which can cause infections. The FDA rated it a Class II recall, meaning the products may cause temporary or serious health problems. (FOX6 News)
| Product | Size |
|---|---|
| Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe | 28.7 fl oz |
| Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe | 1,000 mL |
| Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap | 28.7 fl oz |
| Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent | 33.8 fl oz |
| Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap | 8 fl oz |
| Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers | 7.5 fl oz |
The soaps went to 19 wholesalers and one retailer across 15 states. That means many of them ended up in offices, schools, and public restrooms, where you’d never see the label.
If you have one of these soaps
- Stop using it right away.
- Check the brand, product name, and size against the list above.
- Return it to where you bought it, or contact the manufacturer about a refund.
- If you work somewhere that uses these brands, let your facilities manager know.
- If you used one and notice a skin infection or feel unwell, call your doctor, especially if anyone in your home has a weakened immune system.
Why soap can go bad
Liquid and foaming soaps are mostly water, and bacteria need water to grow. That’s why water-based soaps rely on…. Click HERE for the rest of the story.
