Photo: Ken Wolter (Shutterstock)
When Jergens lotion first hit the market more than a century ago, it was an instant hit—and thanks to generation-spanning brand loyalty, is still around today. If you find yourself in that category—or simply purchased some Jergens lotion because your hands were dry this winter—the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is urging you to check the product, as it could be part of a voluntary recall. Here’s what to know.
Why is the lotion being recalled?
Kao USA Inc.—the company that owns Jergens products—has issued a voluntary recall for certain Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer items, as they may contain a bacterium called Pluralibacter gergoviae. Though it typically doesn’t put people with functioning immune systems at risk, it can cause infections in those who are immunocompromised.
In addition to informing consumers of the recall, Kao USA Inc. removed the affected products from their warehouses, and is working with retailers to ensure the product is take off store shelves as well.
“We are working with our partners on improved cleaning and sanitization practices so that similar issues can be prevented in the future,” the company said in its recall announcement, posted by the FDA.
Which products are part of the recall?
The only products included in the voluntary recall are the 3-ounce and 10-ounce sizes of Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer. They were manufactured between Oct. 1, 2021 and Oct. 18, 2021, and all have lot codes beginning with “ZU.”
Here is the full list of UPC and lot codes for the recalled lotion products, provided by the FDA:
Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer (3 oz)
UPC 019100109971 for single bottlesUPC 019100267114 for pack of 3 Lot codes: ZU712851, ZU712871, ZU712911, ZU722881, ZU712861, ZU712881 and ZU722851Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer (10 oz)
UPC 019100109988Lot codes: ZU722741, ZU722781, ZU732791, ZU732811, ZU722771, ZU732781, ZU732801 and ZU732821What to do if you’ve purchased the recalled lotion
As with any recall, stop using the products in question right away. But unlike many recalls—where consumers are instructed to throw the products away—Kao is requesting that anyone with the lotion send it back to them. Because the investigation into the bacterial contamination is ongoing, the returned lotion may be used to learn more about the scope of the issue.
To return the lotion, either call the Kao USA Inc. Consumer Care Center at 1.800.742.8798 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or send an email to: consumer@kao.com.
Along with a coupon for a free product, the company will also send a prepaid postage label and a plastic bag to make it as easy as possible to return the product.
