Consumer level recall of dental hygiene products
Media release
24 September 2004
Colgate-Palmolive Australia have announced a national recall, to consumer level of all batches of the following products:
- Colgate Periogard Clorohex Antiseptic Mouth Rinse AUST R 26774
- Colgate Periogard Clorohex Antiseptic Mouth Gel AUST R 26783
- Colgate Periogard Clorohex Forte Antiseptic Mouth Gel AUST R 26685
The company has been consulting with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and have taken this action following a report of contamination of some bottles of the mouth rinse with the bacterium Burkholderia cepacia and instances of infection in a single hospital. The TGA regards the action taken by the company as appropriate.
THIS BACTERIUM IS NOT A LIKELY SOURCE OF INFECTION TO HEALTHY PEOPLE. THE TGA IS CONCERNED, HOWEVER, THAT THERE MAY BE AN INCREASE RISK OF INFECTION IN PERSONS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS, IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS AND PATIENTS IN INTENSIVE CARE ENVIRONMENTS.
The products are distributed principally through dental surgeries and hospitals but are also available in limited numbers through pharmacies. Consumers who have any of the above products are advised to cease using them. Any one who is concerned in any way about their use of these products should consult their healthcare professional.
The TGA has put into action an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the manufacturing of these products.
Media contact: John Noble, Media Adviser, TGA 0413 890 241