June 28, 2012 - 3:13 PM
TORONTO - A hand sanitizer meant to protect people against germs is being recalled because of microbial contamination.
Kimberly-Clark is recalling its Kleenex-brand Luxury Foam Hand Sanitizer after company testing detected bacteria that may pose serious risks to people with weakened immune systems.
Health Canada says people with the lung disorder cystic fibrosis are especially vulnerable.
The affected hand sanitizer comes in one-litre and 1.2-litre containers, and is used in large-volume dispensers, such as those found in public areas and workspaces.
The recall affects about 430 containers, which were distributed to retail stores and wholesalers across Canada.
Companies or individuals who have purchased the affected product should remove it from use.
The bacteria identified in the tested samples are from the Burkholderia cepacia group. These bacteria pose little risk to healthy Canadians, as their bodies are able to successfully fight off infections, Health Canada said Thursday.
But for people whose immune systems have been weakened by other serious illnesses, especially cystic fibrosis, these bacteria can cause serious problems, including pneumonia and blood infection.
The affected products are:
— Kleenex Luxury Foam Hand Sanitizer (Benzalkonium Chloride, 0.1%), 1,000 ml manual cassette (used in manual dispensers); Drug Identification Number: 02366045; lot number SA1229ANB.
—Kleenex Luxury Foam Hand Sanitizer (Benzalkonium Chloride, 0.1%), 1,200 ml E-Cassette (used in electronic dispensers); Drug Identification Number: 02366045; lot number SA1229ANA.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2012