Hand Soap Recall 2026: 2,642 Cases Recalled Over Bacteria Risk
The FDA has classified a recall involving 2,642 cases of hand soap as Class II because of potential bacterial contamination. See affected products, states, bacteria and what consumers should do.
A major hand soap recall in 2026 has raised concerns about potential bacterial contamination in several liquid and foaming hand soap products distributed across the United States.
The recall involves 2,642 cases of six different hand soap products associated with Intercon Chemical Company. The products were distributed through wholesalers and retailers in multiple states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified the recall as a Class II recall.
The recall was initially announced by Intercon Chemical Company on June 29, 2026, and the FDA later assigned the Class II classification.
Which Hand Soaps Are Included in the Recall?
The recall covers six products sold under several brand names. Consumers should check the product name, size, UPC, lot information and other identifying details before using a potentially affected soap.
The recalled products include:
- Summit 150 Foaming Hand Soap: 28.7 fluid ounces; 1,040 cases recalled.
- Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent: 33.8 fluid ounces; 225 cases recalled.
- Laura Lynn Honey Apple Crisp Liquid Hand Soap: 8 fluid ounces; 301 cases recalled.
- Laura Lynn Foaming Pear Scent Hand Soap with Moisturizers: 7.5 fluid ounces; 294 cases recalled.
- Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe: 28.7 fluid ounces; 693 cases recalled.
- Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe: 34 fluid ounces; 143 cases recalled.
Together, these recalled quantities total 2,696 cases based on the individual figures reported in the FDA-related coverage, while some reports describe the overall recall as 2,642 cases. Because published figures differ, consumers should rely on the FDA's current recall information and product identifiers rather than the headline total alone.
Why Were the Soaps Recalled?
The products were recalled because of concerns about potential bacterial contamination.
Two of the recalled products have been associated with specific bacteria: Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe and Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe.
The bacteria identified in the recall information include:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Pseudomonas putida
- Pseudomonas monteilii
- Serratia marcescens
- Serratia nematodiphila
The other four recalled products were identified as having potential bacterial contamination, although the available recall information does not specify the same individual organisms for those products.
What Is Pseudomonas?
Pseudomonas bacteria are commonly found in the environment, including water, soil and other moist locations. Cleveland Clinic notes that Pseudomonas aeruginosa can sometimes cause infections involving the skin, eyes, lungs, urinary tract and bloodstream.
Importantly, the presence of a bacterium in a recalled product does not mean that everyone who used the product will become sick. Cleveland Clinic explains that infections involving P. aeruginosa are uncommon in people with healthy immune systems, while people with weakened immune systems can face a greater risk of serious infection.
Some strains of Pseudomonas can also demonstrate antibiotic resistance, which can make certain infections more difficult to treat.
What Does an FDA Class II Recall Mean?
The FDA uses different classifications to communicate the potential health consequences associated with recalled products.
A Class II recall generally means that exposure to the affected product could result in temporary or medically reversible health consequences, or that the likelihood of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.
This is different from a Class I recall, which represents the FDA's highest-risk recall category and involves a reasonable probability of serious health consequences or death.
A Class III recall generally involves products that are unlikely to cause adverse health consequences, such as certain regulatory or labeling violations.
Therefore, the Class II designation in this case should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that consumers who used the soap will become seriously ill. It indicates the FDA's classification of the potential risk associated with the recalled products.
Where Were the Recalled Soaps Sold?
The recalled products were distributed through 19 wholesalers and one retailer, with distribution reported across numerous U.S. states.
States identified in reporting about the recall include:
- California
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Some reports describe the distribution footprint as 15 states, while other coverage refers to 16 states. Consumers should therefore check the official FDA information rather than assuming a product is safe solely because their state is not listed in a secondary news report.
What Should Consumers Do?
Anyone who has a recalled product should stop using it until they can determine whether the specific item is included in the recall.
Consumers can take the following steps:
- Stop using the soap. Do not continue using a product simply because it looks or smells normal.
- Check the label. Compare the product name, size, UPC and lot information with the official recall information.
- Do not give the product to another person. This prevents an affected product from being unknowingly used elsewhere.
- Follow recall instructions. Consumers should follow instructions from the manufacturer, retailer or FDA regarding returning or safely disposing of the product.
- Monitor for concerning symptoms. Anyone who believes they may have developed an infection should contact a healthcare professional, particularly if symptoms are significant or worsening.
Cleveland Clinic notes that symptoms associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection can vary depending on the part of the body affected. Potential symptoms may include redness or swelling of the skin, eye inflammation, fever, breathing difficulties or other signs of infection.
People with weakened immune systems may be at greater risk of serious illness from certain Pseudomonas infections.
Why Product Identification Matters
Not every bottle of a particular brand is necessarily part of a recall.
Recall notices commonly identify products using information such as UPC numbers, lot numbers, expiration or best-by dates and package sizes. For example, reports identify UPC 789745002981 for the 28.7-ounce Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe and UPC 789745002615 for the 34-ounce Clearly Better by Intercon product.
That means consumers should avoid relying only on a product's brand name. Checking all available identifying information can help determine whether a particular bottle or case is actually covered.
About Intercon Chemical Company
Intercon Chemical Company is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and manufactures a broad range of cleaning, sanitation and hand-care products. Its website also indicates that the company provides private-brand manufacturing services and distributes products through authorized distributors.
The company lists multiple hand-care products and commercial cleaning solutions among its offerings.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Intercon Chemical hand soap recall concerns multiple liquid and foaming hand soaps distributed in several U.S. states. The FDA has classified the recall as Class II because of potential bacterial contamination, with two products specifically associated with Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria.
Consumers who have one of the recalled products should check the product's identifying information and discontinue use if it matches the recall. People who develop symptoms that could indicate an infection should seek appropriate medical advice rather than attempting to diagnose or treat themselves.
Sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Enforcement Report:
- Cleveland Clinic: Pseudomonas Infection
- Cleveland Clinic: Opportunistic Infections
- Intercon Chemical Company
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Recall information, product quantities and distribution details can change as regulatory agencies update their records. Consumers should verify the latest information directly with the FDA, the manufacturer or the relevant retailer. If you believe you have experienced an adverse reaction or developed symptoms of infection, consult a qualified healthcare professional.