Bacteria-contaminated moisturiser recalled nationwide – Do you own this product?
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Members, it’s time to pay close attention to the moisturiser in your bathroom.
A popular moisturising cream has just been recalled online and in-stores nationwide, amid reports that it’s been contaminated with two dangerous types of bacteria.
Cult-favourite, Australian-made Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel’s 100 ml moisturising cream has been recalled at major retailers after reports of the bacteria contamination risk.
According to the Product Safety Australia recall notice, if used, moisturisers with the batch number HLP020322 could cause illness and infection.
‘The affected batch of moisturising cream can be contaminated with bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca,’ it read.
It is also said that products that have been contaminated with the bacteria could cause infection or illness to consumers, especially to people with weakened immune systems or those who are immunocompromised.
But what exactly is bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca? What can it do to our bodies?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that’s commonly found in the environment, such as soil or water. It can be spread to people through contaminated surfaces, hands, and shared equipment, or by eating contaminated food. This type of bacteria thrives in moist areas, such as pools, spas, bathrooms, kitchens, and sinks.
However, the most severe infections occur in hospitals or other healthcare settings, since Pseudomonas aeruginosa can easily grow in humidifiers and types of medical equipment – like catheters, and ventilators, or enter a body with open wounds from surgery or burns.
This specific strain is resistant to first-line antibiotics, such as amoxicillin. And since its resistance is strong, the infection may be difficult to treat.
The symptoms vary depending on the type of infection, but may result in:
Meanwhile, Klebsiella oxytoca, which is a variant of Klebsiella bacteria, is naturally found in the intestinal tract, mouth, and nose. They are considered healthy gut bacteria inside your intestines. But outside the gut, this bacterium causes serious infections.
It also spreads in healthcare settings because of the amount of person-to-person contact in hospitals, nursing homes, intensive care units, or clinics. For an infection to start, the bacterium must enter your body first. If you have wounds, use ventilators, catheters, or IV lines in the hospital, for instance, you have a higher chance of contracting this bacterium.
Some strains of Klebsiella oxytoca are also resistant to antibiotics and can be very difficult to treat.
Symptoms of infection by Klebsiella oxytoca will depend on the strain and the site where it entered your body. For example, if it entered your airways, you are at risk of contracting a lung infection or pneumonia. These symptoms may include
Other symptoms to watch out for are:
So, if you have this moisturiser in your cabinet, experts advise you to stop using it immediately. You can find out if you have an affected product by looking at the underside of the container and checking the batch number. You can find this right below the barcode.
The recalled moisturiser was available for purchase in stores and online across the country from May 1, 2022, to January 23, 2023. It was also sold separately and sold in the following gift sets: Hunter Essentials, Daily Ritual Kit and Ultimate Ritual Kit. The product has a best-before date of March 1, 2024, with a barcode number: 0680569529718.
Additionally, the contaminated products have been sold at the following stores:
A statement made by Hunter Lab said: ‘The well-being and safety of Hunter Lab’s customers, and guaranteeing the highest quality product efficacy, is always our first priority. Due to this product being used daily, and around sensitive areas on the face, we have decided to initiate a voluntary product safety recall of the particular batch of Daily Face Fuel 100ml as a precautionary measure.’
They also shared that they have contacted their retail partners to remove impacted products from their shelves.
Consumers with the contaminated moisturising cream are advised to take a photo of the affected batch number and email it to [email protected]. Once they do, the consumer will receive an email with detailed instructions on how they will receive a replacement product.
Members, if you’ve been using this product, please head to your GP and get a check-up. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
A popular moisturising cream has just been recalled online and in-stores nationwide, amid reports that it’s been contaminated with two dangerous types of bacteria.
Cult-favourite, Australian-made Hunter Lab Daily Face Fuel’s 100 ml moisturising cream has been recalled at major retailers after reports of the bacteria contamination risk.
According to the Product Safety Australia recall notice, if used, moisturisers with the batch number HLP020322 could cause illness and infection.
The recall announcement was made last February 3, 2023. Credit: Anna Shvets/Pexels
‘The affected batch of moisturising cream can be contaminated with bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca,’ it read.
It is also said that products that have been contaminated with the bacteria could cause infection or illness to consumers, especially to people with weakened immune systems or those who are immunocompromised.
But what exactly is bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella oxytoca? What can it do to our bodies?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that’s commonly found in the environment, such as soil or water. It can be spread to people through contaminated surfaces, hands, and shared equipment, or by eating contaminated food. This type of bacteria thrives in moist areas, such as pools, spas, bathrooms, kitchens, and sinks.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is difficult to treat. Credit: Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels
However, the most severe infections occur in hospitals or other healthcare settings, since Pseudomonas aeruginosa can easily grow in humidifiers and types of medical equipment – like catheters, and ventilators, or enter a body with open wounds from surgery or burns.
This specific strain is resistant to first-line antibiotics, such as amoxicillin. And since its resistance is strong, the infection may be difficult to treat.
The symptoms vary depending on the type of infection, but may result in:
- Infection of the lungs (or pneumonia)
- Fever and chills
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Tiredness
- Cough that sometimes has yellow, green, or bloody mucus.
- A strong urge to urinate frequently
- Painful urination
- Unpleasant odour in urine
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Inflamed wound site
- Fluid leakage from the wound
- Ear pain
- Decreased hearing
- Redness or swelling of the outer ear
- Fever
Meanwhile, Klebsiella oxytoca, which is a variant of Klebsiella bacteria, is naturally found in the intestinal tract, mouth, and nose. They are considered healthy gut bacteria inside your intestines. But outside the gut, this bacterium causes serious infections.
It also spreads in healthcare settings because of the amount of person-to-person contact in hospitals, nursing homes, intensive care units, or clinics. For an infection to start, the bacterium must enter your body first. If you have wounds, use ventilators, catheters, or IV lines in the hospital, for instance, you have a higher chance of contracting this bacterium.
Some strains of Klebsiella oxytoca are also resistant to antibiotics and can be very difficult to treat.
Symptoms of infection by Klebsiella oxytoca will depend on the strain and the site where it entered your body. For example, if it entered your airways, you are at risk of contracting a lung infection or pneumonia. These symptoms may include
- Flu-like symptoms
- Chills
- High fever
- Shortness of breath or shallow breathing
- Cough with mucus
- High fever
- Chills
- Back pain
- Vomiting
- Lower abdominal pain and cramping
- Painful urination
- Bloody urine
Immediately stop using the product if you own it. Credit: Marek Piwnicki/Pexels
Other symptoms to watch out for are:
- Discharge from wounds
- Sudden increase in inflammation around a wound
- Pain when urinating
- Lower abdominal pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Vomiting
So, if you have this moisturiser in your cabinet, experts advise you to stop using it immediately. You can find out if you have an affected product by looking at the underside of the container and checking the batch number. You can find this right below the barcode.
The recalled moisturiser was available for purchase in stores and online across the country from May 1, 2022, to January 23, 2023. It was also sold separately and sold in the following gift sets: Hunter Essentials, Daily Ritual Kit and Ultimate Ritual Kit. The product has a best-before date of March 1, 2024, with a barcode number: 0680569529718.
Here's how to keep yourself safe against these bacteria. Image credit: The Seniors Discount Club
Additionally, the contaminated products have been sold at the following stores:
- Hunterlab.com.au
- David Jones
- Myer
- Adore Beauty
- The Hut Group
- The Iconic
- Amuse Beauty
- Lotte
- Ultra Beauty
A statement made by Hunter Lab said: ‘The well-being and safety of Hunter Lab’s customers, and guaranteeing the highest quality product efficacy, is always our first priority. Due to this product being used daily, and around sensitive areas on the face, we have decided to initiate a voluntary product safety recall of the particular batch of Daily Face Fuel 100ml as a precautionary measure.’
They also shared that they have contacted their retail partners to remove impacted products from their shelves.
Consumers with the contaminated moisturising cream are advised to take a photo of the affected batch number and email it to [email protected]. Once they do, the consumer will receive an email with detailed instructions on how they will receive a replacement product.
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