FDA ORDERS Massive Deodorant Recall — Dangerous Bacteria

Recall stamp

The FDA has ordered a massive nationwide recall of over 67,000 cases of popular deodorants and personal care products due to dangerous bacterial contamination that could cause serious infections in users.

Story Snapshot

  • Over 67,000 cases of Power Stick deodorants recalled due to Burkholderia cepacia bacterial contamination
  • DermaRite Industries expanded voluntary recall includes hand sanitizers, cleansers, and skin protectants
  • Products sold at major retailers including Walmart, Amazon, and Dollar Tree pose infection risk
  • FDA investigation reveals manufacturing failures that compromised product safety standards

Dangerous Bacterial Contamination Discovered

DermaRite Industries voluntarily expanded its nationwide recall after FDA testing revealed Burkholderia cepacia contamination in multiple product lines. This pathogenic bacteria poses serious health risks, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic lung conditions. The contamination affects hand sanitizers, antiseptic cleansers, skin protectants, and over 67,000 cases of Power Stick deodorants distributed across major retail chains nationwide.

Major Retailers Remove Products from Shelves

Walmart, Amazon, and Dollar Tree immediately began removing affected products following the FDA announcement. The recall spans multiple product categories, highlighting widespread manufacturing control failures at DermaRite Industries’ facilities. Consumers who purchased these items are urged to stop using them immediately and return products to their place of purchase for full refunds, as continued use could result in skin infections or respiratory complications.

Manufacturing Standards Under Federal Scrutiny

The FDA’s investigation revealed significant lapses in manufacturing practices and quality control systems at DermaRite Industries. Federal regulators discovered inadequate sterilization procedures and contaminated production equipment that allowed dangerous bacteria to infiltrate multiple product lines. This incident underscores concerns about relaxed oversight during previous administrations, when regulatory enforcement weakened and manufacturers operated with insufficient federal supervision of safety protocols.

Consumer Protection and Health Risks

Burkholderia cepacia infections can cause severe respiratory problems, skin infections, and bloodstream complications, especially in vulnerable populations including elderly Americans and those with underlying health conditions. The Trump administration’s renewed focus on rigorous FDA enforcement represents a return to prioritizing American consumer safety over corporate profits. Industry experts emphasize this recall demonstrates why strong regulatory oversight protects families from dangerous products that previous lax enforcement allowed to reach store shelves.

Consumers should immediately check their personal care products and dispose of any items manufactured by DermaRite Industries, regardless of purchase location or expiration date, to prevent potential health complications from bacterial exposure.

Sources:

Microbiological contamination and control in food production

Overview of microbial contamination and public health

WHO Fact Sheet: Food safety and foodborne pathogens

21 CFR Part 117: US federal regulations on food safety and manufacturing practices