Avmor Ltd. is voluntarily recalling one lot of its Antimicrobial Foaming Hand Soap (Triclosan 0.3%) due to microbial contamination. Product testing undertaken by Health Canada detected bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that may pose serious health risks to people, especially those with weakened immune systems. This product is used in private and public settings (offices, schools and hospitals) by individuals.
Who is affected:
Canadians, who have bought or used this product, especially those with compromised immune systems, including those with cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, cancer, burns, diabetes and severe lung disease.
What should you do:
Do not use Avmor Ltd.'s Antimicrobial Foaming Hand Soap (Triclosan 0.3%) or any other antimicrobial foaming hand soap that you cannot identify from a dispenser.
Speak to your healthcare practitioner if you have used the affected product or have concerns about your health.
Schools, offices, hospitals and consumers should contact the company, Avmor Ltd., at 1-450-629-8074 extension 2360 for more information about the recall.
Report any adverse reaction you suspect may be related to this product to Health Canada (see below).
What Health Canada is doing:
Health Canada is monitoring the recall and the company's investigation to identify and address the root cause of the contamination.
No adverse reactions involving the use of this product have been reported to Health Canada. The company has also confirmed it has received no adverse reactions reports involving the affected product to date.
Background:
The bacteria identified in the tested sample are from the Pseudomonas group. For someone whose immune system has been weakened by other serious conditions, especially cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, severe lung disease, burns, cancer, or diabetes, these bacteria can cause serious infections including pneumonia, bone infections, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, meningitis, and blood infections.
In healthy consumers, Pseudomonas group bacteria can enter the body through cuts, lesions and open burn wounds and may cause local infections, abscesses and blood infection. Additionally, the Pseudomonas species is also associated with eye and outer ear infections.
Affected Product:
Antimicrobial Foaming Hand Soap (Triclosan 0.3%)
1L clear plastic cartridge (used with a foaming pump)
Drug Identification Number: DIN 02319144
Lot number F121392032
For more information
Consumers and health professionals wanting more information about this advisory from Health Canada can contact the Public Enquiries Line at 613-957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
Media enquiries related to this Advisory should be directed to Health Canada Media Relations at 613-957-2983.
