Kotex Tampon Recall Issued Due to Infection Risk

Concerns over potential bacterial contamination that could cause dangerous infections have led to a recall of about 1,400 cases of Kotex tampons. 

A Kotex Natural Balance tampons recall was announced last week by the FDA and Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturer. The recall came following tests by the company that detected the bacterium Enterobacter sakazakii in raw ingredients used to manufacture the tampons.

The bacteria could cause infections that may lead to a number of health risks, including vaginal infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), pelvic inflammatory disease and other, potentially life-threatening, illnesses.

Kimberly-Clark warned that the risk was heightened for women who suffer from an existing illness, including cancer and diseases like HIV that compromise the immune system. However, there have been no illnesses linked to the contaminated tampons.

The tampon recall affects 14 lots of 18-count and 32-count boxes of Kotex Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons Regular Absorbency shipped between October 29, 2011 and November 2, 2011. The 18-count boxes have an SKU code of 15063 and the 36-count boxes have an SKU code of 15068. These are the last five digits of the barcode found on the bottom of the package.

The recalled tampons were sold at Wal-Mart stores in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas, as well as at some Fry’s stores in Arizona and Smith’s stores in Utah and Arizona.

The FDA and Kimberly-Clark recommend that consumers who have the affected tampons stop using them immediately. The company is asking consumers who have the tampons to call Kimberly-Clark’s Consumer Services Division at (800) 335-6839 to make arrangements to retrieve the products. Consumers can also get more information at www.kimberly-clark.com and www.kotex.com.