Product recall: Urgent warning as bacteria found in hand cleaner can cause 'infection' - return as soon as possible

Alan Titchmarsh warns about the dangers of foreign imported plants
BBC
Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson


Published: 22/03/2025

- 09:51

Updated: 24/03/2025

- 14:10

Customers should return the item to its place of purchase

A hand cleaner has been recalled due to contamination with harmful bacteria, posing a potential health risk to consumers.

Those who have purchased the Elbow Grease Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner from 151 Products Ltd have been warned it contains aerobic mesophilic bacteria.


The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) alerted Britons to the recall.

Shoppers were told the affected product presents a microbiological risk that "could cause infection or irritation", particularly if used on damaged skin or if it comes into contact with the eyes.

Recalled Elbow Grease Hand Cleaner

The product has been recalled due to safety concerns

OPSS

Elbow Grease Heavy Duty Hand Cleaner

Type: Cosmetics - Hand cleaner

Brand: Elbow Grease

Item Number: EG73

Affected Batch: 00645

Country of Origin: Turkey

Product description: A 500ml clear plastic bottle with a red like containing yellow hand cleansing gel

The OPSS said: "The affected batch presents a microbiological risk as it is contaminated with aerobic mesophilic bacteria (measured value up to 9200 cfu/g).

"The affected batch does not meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 or the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013.

"Users are advised to check the product packaging, batch number and barcode. If their product is part of the affected batch, consumers should return the item to their place of purchase as soon as possible."

Individuals with any concerns or questions can contact 151 Products Ltd on: +44 (0)161 839 5949.

Person washing their hands

The hand cleaner presents risks of 'infection and irritation'

Flickr

The product recall has been registered under PSD notification number 2503-0036 and was notified by Local Authority Trading Standards.

In similar news, Iceland has issued an urgent recall of lasagne as the Italian dish was deemed "unsafe to eat".

Iceland issued the recall for its Vegetable Lasagne product due to potential plastic contamination.

Customers are advised to return the product to any Iceland store for a full refund, with no receipt required.