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On June 29, 2026, Intercon Chemical Co. of St. Louis, Missouri initiated a voluntary recall of six hand soap products, with Vestis Foaming Hand Soap Fresh Pear Scent included among the affected products [1]. On September 11, 2026, the FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning exposure to the affected products may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. The FDA enforcement report confirmed that the recalled products may be contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens, or Serratia nematodiphila [2].
What Product Is Affected?
The recall covers the following Vestis product distributed to wholesalers and commercial facilities:
- Product: Vestis Foaming Hand Soap, Fresh Pear Scent
- Size: 33.8 fl. oz.
- UPC: 810080570405
- Lot Code: 26-03091
- Best By Date: May 2028
- Distributed by: Vestis, 1035 Alpharetta Street, Suite 2100, Roswell, Georgia 30075
- Cases Recalled: 225
The recalled Vestis product was distributed across 15 states: California, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. The soap was sent primarily to 19 wholesalers and one retail location — meaning it is likely to have reached commercial kitchens, office restrooms, healthcare waiting areas, gyms, and other institutional settings rather than individual homes.
Why the Commercial Distribution Channel Matters
Unlike the Laura Lynn products in this recall — which were sold at Ingles supermarkets directly to retail consumers — the Vestis product was distributed through a commercial channel typically serving workplaces, healthcare facilities, and institutional buildings. That distribution pathway means the recalled soap may have been used by employees, patients, visitors, and other individuals who had no knowledge of or control over which soap products were installed in a facility’s dispensers.
A worker who washes their hands with contaminated Vestis soap in a break room dispenser, or a patient who uses a hand soap at a healthcare facility waiting area, did not choose the product and cannot check the lot code on a dispenser bottle they never handled. That involuntary exposure creates a distinct and potentially broader legal accountability question for both the distributor and the facilities that installed the recalled product.
The Bacteria in This Recall
The FDA enforcement report names five specific bacterial strains potentially present in the Intercon recall products: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens, and Serratia nematodiphila. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a well-documented opportunistic pathogen capable of causing skin and wound infections, ear and eye infections, and — in immunocompromised individuals or those with open wounds or medical devices — life-threatening bloodstream infections and pneumonia.
The CDC notes that Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses the highest risk to people on ventilators, those with open wounds, or those with catheters or other implanted devices — populations that may be present in any healthcare-adjacent facility using bulk hand soap dispensers [3]. Serratia marcescens is similarly associated with healthcare-acquired infections and is notable for its antibiotic resistance profile.
Incidents and Injuries
No specific illnesses have been publicly reported in connection with the Vestis product as of the September 15, 2026 KIRO 7 coverage date. Workers, facility occupants, or patients who used the recalled Vestis soap and developed skin infections, wound infections, or other adverse health effects should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
What Should Facilities and Consumers Do?
Facilities that received the recalled Vestis Foaming Hand Soap should immediately check bulk dispensers and storage inventory for lot code 26-03091 and remove any recalled product from service. Any dispenser that held the recalled soap should be thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and refilled with a non-recalled product before being returned to service.
Individuals who used the recalled soap and developed adverse reactions may report them to the FDA’s MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. Vestis may be contacted at its Roswell, Georgia headquarters at the address printed on the product label.
Can I File a Lawsuit?
Workers, patients, or other individuals who were exposed to recalled Vestis Foaming Hand Soap and developed infections or other adverse health consequences may have significant legal options against Intercon Chemical Co., Vestis, and the facility that installed the contaminated product. Contact an attorney promptly to have your case evaluated.
References
1. https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/recall-alert-soap-sold-15-states-recalled-over-bacterial-contamination/SBXWVIYYNBBL7CEOKKL3F3OTCA/
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=99466
3. https://www.cdc.gov/pseudomonas-aeruginosa/about/index.html