Laundry Detergent Recall: Affected Products May Contain Bacteria

AlEn USA is voluntarily recalling certain laundry detergent products due to the risk of being exposed to bacteria. Some 14,000 units are affected.

The recalled Art of Green laundry detergent products may contain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the company announcement on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website.

Pseudomonas is a type of germ that is typically found in the environment, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted. Among the different types of pseudomonas, the one that most commonly causes infections in humans, is said to be pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The bacteria can enter the body in various ways such as through inhalation, the eyes or via a "break in the skin," according to the CPSC. Although people considered to have "healthy" immune systems don't typically get affected, those whose immune systems are weakened as well as hospital patients who get exposed to it are more at risk of infection.

Moreover, these bacteria are "constantly finding new ways to avoid the effects of the antibiotics used to treat the infections they cause," as per the CDC.

In the case of the current recall, there have so far been no reports of illnesses. However, the company is urging those with affected products to stop using them and to "safely" discard them "out of an abundance of caution."

The recall affects three Art of Green laundry detergent products: the Art of Green Free and Clear laundry detergent in 100-ounce bottles, the Art of Green Zen Lavender Garden laundry detergent in 100-ounce bottles and the Art of Green Zen Lavender Garden laundry detergent in 33.8-ounce pouches.

Affected UPC codes are 4315204850, 4315204860 and 4315204874, while the affected lot codes are LOT M 220314, LOT M 220315, LOT Q 220324, LOT Q 220325, LOT Q 220326 and LOT Q 220328.

These were sold at Save Mart, Lucky and Food Maxx stores as well as online via Amazon.com, according to the CPSC. In total, some 14,550 units are affected by the recall.

Photos of the recalled products are available on both the CPSC and company recall websites. The company has also provided photos of where to locate the codes on the bottles or pouches.

"All other Art of Green products are not involved in this recall and are safe to use as directed," the company stated.

Those who find that they are in possession of an affected product should contact the company through this recall form or call AlEn at 1-800-615-3191 to get a full refund. They will have to submit a photo of the UPC and date codes.

As mentioned, affected customers should also discard the recalled product "safely." They should not empty the bottle before throwing it away. Instead, they should close the cap tight and throw it in the trash.

Those who have already washed their clothes with the affected detergents are advised to wash them again with another detergent "as a precaution."