A brand sold via Walmart and Amazon, as well as at salons, tested positive for a bacterium that could lead to infection.
More Than 1,000 Bottles of Shampoo Recalled for Contamination
Published on Mar. 24, 2025
Just from the way your shampoo bottle assures you that it doesn’t contain ingredients like sulfates and phthalates, you’re probably aware the formulation you’ve long applied to your head hasn’t always been “clean.”
Now it’s possible that, on the heels of another recent “clean” shampoo recall, we’re getting a little reminder about why some of those chemicals were utilized for so long: In some cases, they helped keep microbes out of the product.
On Thursday, the FDA announced a recall affecting 1,068 total units of Tec Italy branded shampoo for dry and damaged hair.
The recall, originally initiated on February 12, has been categorized as a Class II, meaning the FDA has determined the affected products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects.” However, the agency’s report indicates a potentially serious reason behind it: “(Imported) Shampoo product tested positive for bacteria (Klebsiella oxytoca) contamination.”
Klebsiella is a type of bacteria that has “becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infections from this bacteria can include wound infections, bloodstream infections, and more. It’s unclear how the bacterium was introduced to the shampoo, but it might seem most likely that it was present in water that was used to formulate the product.
The recalled product details include:
- Tec Italy branded shampoo conditioner for dry and damaged hair
- 33.81 FL. ounces (oz)
- UPC # 7501438375850
- Lot 1G27542266
- Expiration: May 27, 2027
- Recalling firm: HENKEL CAPITAL SA DE CV
Though these haircare products are typically sold from salons to customers, a brief online search shows Tec Italy products are available on both Walmart and Amazon’s websites, along with several other beauty websites.
Henkel is a global company based out of Germany. The European Union is generally thought to operate under stricter safety compliance standards for beauty products than the U.S. government typically does.
If you have the affected product, it’s likely advisable not to use it and to consider reaching out to your place of purchase to inquire about a refund.
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