The start of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States was marked by a surprisingly large number of people buying as many toiletries as they could fit in their homes. Months later, the popular toiletry company Cottonelle® has some bad news for those pandemic preppers: a significant amount of Cottonelle Flushable Wipes and Cottonelle GentlePlus Flushable Wipes have been recalled due to possible bacterial contamination.
According to Cottonelle, the recall affects certain lots of products manufactured between February 7th, 2020 and September 14th, 2020. Although the details of the recall were not made immediately clear, it appears that the company received numerous complaints of consumers suffering “minor infections” and “irritation” after using certain flushable wipe products, which likely prompted the recall.
It is believed that pluralibacter gergoviae is the strain of bacterium located on the contaminated products. As initial complaints suggest, exposure to this bacterium typically results in no symptoms or only minor illnesses. However, it can be dangerous to people with immune system deficiencies or an allergy to certain bacteria.
What Should You Do If You Own Cottonelle Wipes?
If you have purchased Cottonelle Flushable Wipes or GentlePlus Flushable Wipes since the beginning of February, then you should discontinue use of the product immediately. Representatives from Kimberly-Clark, the manufacturing company that owns Cottonelle, has asked people to not return products to the retail stores that sold them. Instead, consumers should contact the company directly by dialing (800) 414-0165 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. The company appears to be offering no-cost product replacements, but this has not been confirmed.
People who have used the flushable hygienic wipes and suffered unexplained illnesses should speak with a trusted medical provider. There might be a link between the illness and bacterial infection caused by the product.
(You can find out more about this ongoing recall by clicking here and viewing a full article from the New York Post.)
Can You Sue Cottenelle for Damages?
Kimberly-Clark has reported that no serious illnesses have been no serious illnesses traced to the use of the company’s flushable hygienic wipes. Although, this does not guarantee that there have not been any or that there will not be any serious incidents. Anyone who falls seriously ill due to a related bacterial infection or who accrued significant damages – like medical costs and missing wages – due to treating even a minor infection could feasibly have a valid product liability claim against the company.
If you believe you might have a valid injury claim to file after using contaminated Cottonelle Flushable Wipes, then you should speak with a local attorney. People in San Jose and the Bay Area can call (888) 387-4053 to connect with Habbas & Associates. We offer free consultations to inquiring clients.
