Tampon Recall – Bugs Infect Specific Kotex Lots

I couldn’t believe what I was reading….. a  RECALL ON TAMPONS!  According to a tweet by “Women’s Health,” and an article done by “Consumer Reports.”  Kotex tampons has issued a recall on one of their newest items.

Two specific lots of Kotex tampons were infected with a bacterium, Enterobacter sakazakii, which is a bug  that causes vaginal infections and other health risks.

The recall is limited to two specific lots of Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons Regular Absorbency manufactured by Kimberly-Clark. According to the FDA, both the 18 count and the 36 count packages contain tampons that were made with raw materials contaminated with Enterobacter sakazakii, a bug that may cause vaginal infections, urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory diseases or other health issues.

 

To date, there have been no reported illnesses.  However, the FDA warns that this bacterium could pose potential hazards for women who already have compromised immune systems or preexisting illnesses.

Below are the lot numbers that have been affected.  They were distributed to stores from October 29 – November 2, 2011.

The FDA says Kimberly-Clark has already contacted the specific retailers—Walmart stores in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas; Fry’s stores in Arizona; and Smith’s stores in Utah and Arizona—to remove the tainted tampons from their shelves.

Still, the FDA advises consumers to be cautious and check if they recently bought the Kotex tampons. The affected tampons’ SKU are the last five digits on the packages’ bar codes. The recalled tampons can also be further identified by specific lot numbers, printed in a red box on the bottom of the package.

 

   Women should discontinue the use of these tampons immediately and contact a doctor if they are having fevers, unusual discharge, rash, vomiting, and abdominal pains.

Consumers with the recalled Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons should immediately discontinue use of the product and contact Kimberly-Clark’s toll-free Consumer Services Division (800-335-6839) to make arrangements for safe disposal of the recalled tampons.

Adria