So far, stating to have taken all action voluntarily, P&G has recalled the Oral B products in Canada, China, Chile, Columbia and Mexico.
“The product involved in this recall represents a very small portion of our global oral care business,” commented a company spokesperson.
Vast recall
A company spokesperson told CosmeticsDesign.com USA all the products in these countries are linked by a single manufacturing plant which shipped to all the countries included in the recall, based in, according to the Associated Press, Columbia.
Although P&G declined to comment on the numbers of the products recalled from each of the countries, according to the Associated Press, the company is recalling 600,000 bottles of mouthwash from Mexico alone.
“The products exist by different names in different markets”, explained a company spokesperson. “We have been working with regulatory authorities in each country to issue detailed consumer notifications about which specific products are involved in each country.”
Microbial contamination
According to a company spokesperson, out of specification microbial levels were found in finished product samples at the manufacturing site; the bacterium called Burkholderia anthinia was detected, which is naturally found in water and soil.
Whilst the company claims this bacterium would not affect average consumers, it may affect those with serious immune system problems.
Furthermore, a company spokesperson has stated that the company believes that “whilst the safety risk is extremely low, out of an abundance of caution, we are recalling the product”, all of which will be disposed of.
P&G has stated to have shut down production at the contract manufacturing plant, which will not recommence until the issue is fixed and started on working to identify the root cause of the contamination, something the company is still unaware of.
Additionally, a company spokesperson stated, “Product quality and safety are P&G's top priority. We regret that this issue has occurred and we are very sorry for the inconvenience it has caused for consumer and customers.”