Woolworths has recalled a WBeauty shampoo from stores across South Africa after testing detected a potentially harmful bacterium.
**Woolworths **has recalled a WBeauty shampoo from stores across South Africa after testing detected a potentially harmful bacterium in a limited batch of the product.
The retailer announced the recall of WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo 250ml with immediate effect as part of its quality assurance processes.
READ | Woolworths opens new ‘dark store’ to boost Woolies Dash offering
The affected product has been removed from shelves, and customers who purchased it are being asked to return it to their nearest Woolworths store for a full refund.
Importantly, proof of purchase is not required.
Woolworths said an issue was identified with a batch of the shampoo during its quality assurance processes, prompting additional testing.
Those tests detected the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that can occur naturally in environments including water, soil and plants and has also been associated with contamination of personal-care products.
The bacterium is considered an opportunistic pathogen, meaning it generally poses a greater risk to vulnerable people than to healthy individuals.
READ | New Woolworths CEO announces major leadership shake-up
Woolworths said the risk to healthy individuals is considered low.
However, customers with weakened immune systems have been advised to stop using the shampoo to avoid the possibility of bacterial infection.
People with open wounds or broken skin, or those with invasive medical lines, may also be more vulnerable to opportunistic infections.
In some cases, Pluralibacter gergoviae can cause skin and soft-tissue infections, bloodstream infections, respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.
There is no indication from Woolworths that customers should be alarmed if they are otherwise healthy, but anyone with the recalled product should follow the retailer’s advice and discontinue use.
The recall applies to the WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo, sold in a single 250ml variant.
The product is marketed as a deep-cleansing, clarifying shampoo designed to remove product build-up and excess oil.
Its ingredients include witch hazel, apple cider vinegar, activated charcoal and rose geranium oil.
The shampoo forms part of Woolworths’ WBeauty haircare range, which is manufactured in accordance with the retailer’s Good Beauty Principles.
These principles cover formulation, ingredient sourcing, testing and manufacturing practices.
Woolworths said its beauty formulas are assessed by qualified independent toxicologists and accredited laboratories, while products are also dermatologically tested for sensitive skin.
The range is formulated without sulphates, parabens and mineral oil and includes locally sourced ingredients, African botanicals and cosmetic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Woolworths added that its manufacturing practices adhere to vegan-friendly processing standards and are certified by Beauty Without Cruelty.
Customers who have the affected WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo should stop using it and return it to any Woolworths store.
A full refund will be provided, and customers do not need a receipt or other proof of purchase.
“We pride ourselves on exceptionally high standards, and we go to great lengths to ensure every item we produce is the quality our customers expect,” Woolworths said.
“Product safety is critically important to us, and the well-being of our customers is our first priority.”
Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …
