Authorities recommend going to stores and requesting a refund, as continued use of this product could lead to serious health consequences.
Health authorities have issued an urgent health alert to prevent more people from purchasing a popular shampoo —sold at Sephora and Amazon—that could be contaminated with a dangerous bacteria . According to information provided by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bottles of Amika brand shampoo are currently being recalled .
According to the FDA, the massive product recall is the result of a routine review, which found the product to be contaminated with the bacteria Pluralibacter gergoviae. Health authorities fear that more than 980,000 bottles of antioxidant shampoo could be infected with this microorganism, which could be harmful to the health of people who use this popular product.
In an effort to alert consumers, the FDA has emphasized that the contaminated products were being sold through Sephora and Amazon between 2023 and 2024. An informational card shared by the agency states that the contaminated shampoo is “Mirrorball High Shine + Protect by Amika,” which is available in several formats, but is characterized by a bottle with a screw-on cap, a flip-top cap, and a foil pouch.
Where was the contaminated shampoo sold?
The contaminated product has been sold at Sephora and Amazon in various states across the United States, primarily in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Illinois. However, its distribution is not limited to those states. The shampoo is also believed to have been sold in cities in other states, and even abroad. However, there is no alert for this product in Mexico or in any other country.
For those who purchased the product, the FDA has recommended that they return it to the stores where they purchased it and request a refund, as it is not safe to continue using it. Those who have it are also urged to stop using it, as they could be exposing themselves to serious skin infections . So far, the stores that sold this shampoo have not officially commented.
Why is the Pluralibacter Gergoviae bacterium dangerous?
It’s worth mentioning that the shampoo is contaminated with the bacteria Pluralibacter Gergoviae, a pathogen known for its presence in cosmetic products and its resistance to many common preservatives and antimicrobial agents. Although the bacteria doesn’t pose a risk to humans, it can compromise the health of those with weakened immune systems.
Studies by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) confirm that if products contaminated with Pluralibacter gergoviae are used, the bacteria can enter the body through open wounds or mucous membranes, and serious infections can occur in people with poor health. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using these products.
