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.

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.