Cottonelle Flushable Wipes Recall Issued Due to Microorganism Infection Risk

A recall has been issued for Cottonelle flushable wipes sold exclusively at Costco stores, due to a risk they may be contaminated with microorganism bacteria, which can cause potentially harmful infections, especially among those with weakened immune systems.

The Cottonelle Flushable Wipes recall was announced by the manufacturer this week, indicating that certain lots of have been found to contain Pluralibacter gergovaie, which is considered an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing potentially harmful infections in humans.

The microorganism may pose a particularly serious risk among those with pre-existing medical conditions, those who have recently undergone surgery, and other categories of consumers.

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Prior outbreaks of Pluralibacter gergovaie in hospitals have shown the pathogen may be difficult to treat, as some strains have antibiotic resistance. To date, the manufacturer is aware of several non-serious complaints, such as irritation and minor infections.

The recall includes specific lots of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes and Cottonelle GentlePlus Flushable Wipes manufactured by Kimberly-Clark of Irving, Texas between February 7, and September 14. The products were sold throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean, specifically at Costco stores.

The wipes may be used for a variety of purposes, including baby care, hand washing, feminine and other personal cleansing, removing makeup, and applying products such as deodorants and sunless tanners, among other uses.

Customers are being asked to check their inventory of wipes and enter the lot number found at the bottom of the package into the manufacturer’s database to determine whether the wipes are included in the recall.

Those with recalled products are being instructed to stop using them immediately and contact Kimberly-Clark’s Consumer Service team at 1-800-414-0165 regarding this recall for further instructions.

17 Comments

  • NicholasJuly 12, 2021 at 5:39 pm

    How can I clear an infection caused by this???? Which antibiotic can I use and for what duration. PLEASE HELP!

  • SusanJanuary 26, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    I had the ugliest and most painful skin infection where I used the wipes. I also used to use the wipes to freshen up from being sweaty in my groin area. I purchased them at Sam's because we don't have a Costco within 20 miles. Sam's sent me a recall letter in October. Aside from the skin infection, I had a UTI, stomach pains the rash came back and spread!

  • HeleneNovember 24, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    My mother's aid used these wipes for my mother’s personal hygiene . My mother had a series of UTIs needing antibiotics each time. I am sure the wipes are the cause. Stopped using them. No more infections! Kimberly Clark needs to be held responsible .

  • LeslieNovember 20, 2020 at 3:44 am

    I suffered 3 bladder infections in 6 months finally used Cipro to rid myself. I then got this recall notice and maybe there was a connection. I have no idea I have 7-8 unopened packs and have not heard from Cottonelle ? Advice ? I am glad that its external not internal !

  • TinaNovember 18, 2020 at 1:50 am

    I suffered from many bladder and stomach infections like never in my life. I had to keep taking antibiotics. I just spoke with their insurance company, Sentry Insurance. It was slap in the face, offering me $200. With an old TBI, I now have constant gastritis, tinnitus, insomnia, weakness and still recuperating! They want me to prove my infections; when, the product was recalled. Not they ar[Show More]I suffered from many bladder and stomach infections like never in my life. I had to keep taking antibiotics. I just spoke with their insurance company, Sentry Insurance. It was slap in the face, offering me $200. With an old TBI, I now have constant gastritis, tinnitus, insomnia, weakness and still recuperating! They want me to prove my infections; when, the product was recalled. Not they are trying to pass the buck and want proof from me! I even have the recall flyer from them. Costco refunded me but now they are being irrational!

  • SharonNovember 16, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    quit using wipes X 1 month ago after receiving letter from Sam's Club advising me of recall and continue to have severe rash that refuses to go away. Miserable, any suggestions. Have used every cream known to man! Gynocologist has prescribed medication to no avail.

  • ChristineNovember 3, 2020 at 6:40 pm

    Cottenelle wipes have caused irritation and other unknown helath concerns. I was not given any information of what this bacterial infection is.. Seeking medical care at this time.

  • PatriciaNovember 1, 2020 at 8:50 pm

    I have been dealing with the worst severe reoccurring skin irratation / rashes since April. I stopped using the wipes 2 weeks ago. I AM BEYOND LIVID!

  • AndrewOctober 28, 2020 at 4:42 am

    I bought a box these during the timeframe and since used all of them and through out the box. I’ve had a bad infection for a week and was using an antibiotic to help with the severe pain I am in. I’m still suffering from the infection.

  • KEVINOctober 24, 2020 at 4:50 am

    I've have a rash since at least May that I can not get rid of now matter what I try, its been painful for a long time and at one point had small blister like. I still have over 7 cases of the wipes that are part of the recall that are now useless and they won't refund for that many without a receipt even though I still have the product. I would like to eventually get help to get rid of this rash t[Show More]I've have a rash since at least May that I can not get rid of now matter what I try, its been painful for a long time and at one point had small blister like. I still have over 7 cases of the wipes that are part of the recall that are now useless and they won't refund for that many without a receipt even though I still have the product. I would like to eventually get help to get rid of this rash that looks like it is going to leave a huge scar.

  • MarieOctober 23, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    I recommend calling Cottonelle and checking their batch number. I just did and they said to stop using the product and wanted to give me money back or send me new product, and I said No thank you.

  • TheresaOctober 21, 2020 at 9:01 pm

    I have used these wipes for years without any problems. However, I have had severe irritation since May and thought it was a yeast infection. I have taken several rounds of Dflucan. I had no idea that it was because of the wipes.

  • ShelbieOctober 20, 2020 at 6:00 pm

    Have had a reoccurring uti that has since turned into a kidney infection. The infection caused me to go to emergency room and run a bunch of tests.

  • PeterOctober 19, 2020 at 11:52 pm

    Got a bad infection that lasted over 4 weeks with 2 rounds of antibiotics. Was miserable for over 4 weeks.

  • MaryOctober 17, 2020 at 8:20 pm

    I bought Item # 4814591 or BI922606X. Is that part of the recall

  • BorjeOctober 17, 2020 at 4:15 pm

    Have used these wipes for some time and going to return them to Costco today.

  • MarecilOctober 16, 2020 at 6:44 pm

    We’ve been using this for a while now and I have been going to the doctor every month for an infection that just doesn’t seem to go away. My husband developed an infection couple months ago luckily his infection went away except mine, We have spent thousands already for medical bills due to your negligence cottonelle. Our daughter seem to be ok so far. We stopped using it as soon as we found out.[Show More]We’ve been using this for a while now and I have been going to the doctor every month for an infection that just doesn’t seem to go away. My husband developed an infection couple months ago luckily his infection went away except mine, We have spent thousands already for medical bills due to your negligence cottonelle. Our daughter seem to be ok so far. We stopped using it as soon as we found out. I am so angry at you cottonelle that I will never use your product ever again.

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