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Why did the FDA recall Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer? Users worried over bacteria risk

Bottles of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer manufactured between October 1 and October 18, 2021 could contain Pluralibacter gergoviae

Founded in 1901, skin-care brand Jergens is known for its moisturizing products. Owned by the Kao Corporation since 1988, the company describes itself as the trusted brand for comforting moisture. On March 20, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a recall of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer due to the possibility that a certain batch of the cream might be contaminated with a bacterium.

According to reports, bottles of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer manufactured between October 1 and October 18, 2021 could contain Pluralibacter gergoviae. Though the strain of bacterium does not negatively affect healthy people, it has the ability to alter the health of someone with a weakened immune system. Symptoms of a Pluralibacter gergoviae infection include fever, respiratory problems, weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

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Each bottle affected is either three ounces or 10 ounces. Their lot codes begin with ZU and include ZU712851, ZU712871, ZU712911, ZU722881, ZU712861, ZU712881, ZU722851, ZU722741, ZU722781, ZU732791, ZU732811, ZU722771, ZU732781, ZU732801 and ZU732821. Buyers who may have purchased the product can call or email the Kao Corporation to receive a coupon for a free replacement bottle, along with a bag and postage-paid envelope to return the recalled item. Kao can be contacted at (800) 742-8798 or through their email address, consumer@kao.com.

"Everything we do is designed to help you feel good – soothing relief from dryness, a touch of summer color, a fruity scent that makes Monday feel like Friday. We're not here to stop at skin deep. We're here to help you feel truly, deeply, skin-to-soul comfortable, with a few surprises along the way. We bottle all that up into the Feel-Good Feeling of Jergens," reads their official website.

The description of the Ultra Healing Moisturizer reads, "Our skin healing lotion repairs, heals, and deeply nourishes extra dry skin to reveal visibly luminous, healthier skin. Best for: Extra dry skin, including heels, elbows, and knees. Healing lotion improves skin's tone, texture, and luminosity. Contains a unique illuminating HYDRALUCENCE blend and Vitamins C, E, and B5. Heals dryness at the source by penetrating through 5 layers of the skin's surface. Absorbs quickly and locks in moisture for up to 48 hours."

Several Jergens buyers took to Twitter to warn others of the risk. One user tweeted, "If you use Jergens Ultra Healing, be aware there's a recall on it, you may wish to find an alternative to use until they sort it out." Another said, "Check your 3-ounce and 10-ounce bottles of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer for specific codes to identify." A third fumed, "Like we don’t already have enough to worry about!?! [angry face emoji]."

One reply read, "Nooo I have been using Jergens for years this better be a joke [frustrated emoji]," while another suggested, "Fellas....check your bottles before you start rubbing." A third said, "That's not good, I use Jurgens all the time."