Catherine Vercuiel

Catherine Vercuiel

April 2, 2025

Popular Shampoo Urgently Recalled Due to Potentially Deadly Bacterial Contamination

U.S. shoppers need to be on alert as a popular salon shampoo disappears from store shelves. This urgent shampoo recall involves more than 1,000 bottles that could be carrying harmful bacteria. These dangerous germs might lead to serious infections when the product touches your skin. Henkel Capital S.A. de C.V. of Mexico recently launched a voluntary recall of 1,068 units of Tec Italy Shampoo Totale. Lab tests revealed Klebsiella oxytoca bacteria hiding in the formula. What many once considered a premium beauty product now presents real health concerns. The situation turns especially risky for those with weakened immune systems, who face the greatest threat from exposure.

The Contaminated Product: What to Look For

Woman examining hair care products during shampoo recall at retail store with illuminated shelving
Credit: Pexels

Henkel sells the recalled shampoo in a green plastic bottle that holds 33.81 fl. oz./1 L. Therefore, if you bought Tec Italy Totale Shampoo lately, look for Lot # 1G27542266 on the side. Additionally, the UPC reads 7501438375850.

The company mainly shipped this salon-grade shampoo to New York and California. However, it might have reached other states too. Salon products often move beyond their first sales points through other sellers. “The potential for product contamination was noted after microbiological analyses performed by the company revealed the presence of these bacteria,” according to official reports. Following this finding, Henkel took quick action, since they own many well-known care brands.

Understanding the Health Risks

Blue-gloved hand holding petri dish with red bacterial culture, representing laboratory testing for contamination.
Credit: Pexels

Most people don’t know about Klebsiella oxytoca, yet it can harm you. Normally, this germ lives safely in some body parts. But when it gets on your skin through bad shampoo, it can infect your eyes, nose, and skin. Moreover, the danger grows for people with weak immune systems. If the germ enters your blood, it can kill up to 20 percent of patients.

Because of this scary fact, health groups gave the shampoo recall a Class II status on March 20, 2025. Health experts warn that you might not see symptoms right away. Hence, if you feel odd after using this product, see a doctor soon. Meanwhile, the germ can cause many types of symptoms based on where the infection grows.

Not the First Shampoo Recall This Year

Blue shampoo bottle next to folded white towels in bathroom setting.
Credit: Pexels

The Tec Italy case adds to a trend in 2025. Similarly, many care products face quality issues. Throughout the year, groups that watch over product safety have been busy with multiple shampoo recall cases. For many people, washing their hair each day is part of their beauty routine. Nevertheless, finding out a trusted product might hurt you causes both real worries and upset feelings. In contrast, the FDA works to find these issues before they harm many people. Furthermore, this shampoo recall comes during a time when many recalls have hit the care product world. As a precaution, health pros urge buyers to stay informed about safety alerts for all care items.

What Consumers Should Do

If you bought the bad Tec Italy Shampoo Totale, stop using it now. In addition, the company gives clear steps for buyers: “Consumers who have purchased the applicable 33.81 fl. oz./1 L bottles of Tec Italy Shampoo Totale should stop using the product and return the products to their place of purchase for a full refund,” states the official recall notice.

Likewise, salon owners and beauty workers who might have this product should check their stock. Indeed, using or selling a bad product could harm clients and lead to legal issues. On the positive side, company staff confirm that “to date, there have been no reports of user harm or injury related to these products.” Still, they urge care and suggest that “consumers who experience symptoms, or have any medical questions associated with this recall, should consult a physician immediately.

The Company Response

Henkel owns many brands like Schwarzkopf Hair Care and Dial soaps. Currently, they work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on this recall. Last year, the firm made nearly 6.5 billion US dollars in North America. Overall, they employ about 8,000 people across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, the company has set up a special service team to help with this shampoo recall. Subsequently, buyers with questions can email Tec Italy’s customer team. “Tec Italy seeks to minimize all inconvenience this may cause consumers and are committed to their complete satisfaction,” a company statement reads. This focus on buyer safety shows good business ethics when facing a risky product issue.

Staying Informed About Product Safety

In conclusion, this shampoo recall reminds us to stay informed about the items we use each day. Particularly with care products that touch our bodies, bad germs can cause real harm. Health groups keep watching this case. Eventually, they will tell buyers if the shampoo recall grows larger. Therefore, people who often buy salon hair products should check if their items are safe. This matters most if you buy from sellers in New York or California. Finally, keep safe from recalled items by watching trusted news sources. Above all, take fast action when you hear about a shampoo recall like this one. Your health depends on being careful about what you bring into your home.

Read More: Study Shows Synthetic Hair Marketed Towards Black Women Contains Harmful Chemicals and Lead