FDA classifies Intercon hand soap recall as Class II

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified a voluntary recall of six hand soaps distributed by St. Louis-based Intercon Chemical Co. as a Class II risk, meaning use could cause temporary or medically reversible health problems while serious consequences remain remote. The FDA assigned this classification on September 11 following an initial June 29 announcement that the products may be contaminated with bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Serratia strains associated with healthcare infections. California is among fifteen states affected, including Illinois, where hundreds of cases have been distributed to various retailers and distributors.