Aveeno Baby Lotion Recall Issued Due to Bacteria Levels

About 2,200 tubes of Aveeno lotion for babies have been recalled by Johnson & Johnson, after the FDA detected high amounts of bacteria in one lot of the tubes. 

The Aveeno baby lotion recall was announced on January 27, after FDA testing of a product sample. However, Johnson & Johnson indicates that its own testing has revealed no contamination and there have been no reports of illness or infection connected to the recalled Aveeno lotion.

Johnson & Johnson is only initiating the recall at the retailer level, and is not asking consumers to return the tubes of Aveeno lotion.

Retail-level recalls have become a staple of the drug and health product manufacturer, which has garnered it considerable criticism by some who see it as a ploy to avoid bad publicity. The company was lambasted by the FDA and members of congress last year after hearings into so-called “phantom recalls” where the company paid people to buy drugs off of store shelves instead of announcing a recall and alerting the public to potential manufacturing problems.

Despite the “retail level” designation, Johnson & Johnson has said that consumers can seek a refund on recalled Aveno tubes.

The recall affects one lot of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion with lot number 0161LK and UPC Code 38137-0036456. The lot number and UPC code are embossed on the tubes. The recalled lotion was distributed in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.

Consumers with questions about the Aveeno recall, or who wish to receive a refund, can call the Johnson & Johnson Consumer Call Center at 1-877-298-2525.