Woolworths Recalls WBeauty Clarifying Shampoo After Bacterium Found in Product

Woolworths Recalls WBeauty Clarifying Shampoo After Bacterium Found in Product

  • Woolworths pulled its WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo from shelves after routine quality checks flagged a bacterium
  • The bacterium identified poses a low risk to healthy people but can be dangerous for those with weakened immune systems
  • Customers who bought the 250ml bottle can return it to any Woolworths store for a full refund without a receipt
  • Woolworths was contacted for comment regarding the recall, but had not responded by the time of publication
A post.
The entrance of a Woolworths store. Images: Jeff Greenberg / Contributor/Getty
Source: Getty Images

Woolworths has issued an immediate voluntary recall of its WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo (250ml) from stores across South Africa after secondary quality control testing detected a potentially harmful bacterium in the product.

The bacterium identified is Pluralibacter gergoviae, a microorganism that can develop in moist or wet manufacturing environments. For most healthy customers, the risk is considered low. However, people with compromised immune systems, open wounds, or broken skin are at greater risk of opportunistic infections and are urged to stop using the product straight away.

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What shoppers need to know

All remaining stock of the affected shampoo has been removed from Woolworths shelves nationwide. Customers who purchased the bottle are asked to return it to any Woolworths branch for a full refund. No receipt or proof of purchase is needed.

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The WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo retails at R199 and is locally produced. Its formulation includes activated charcoal, witch hazel, rose geranium oil, and apple cider vinegar.

About the WBeauty range

Woolworths noted that the wider WBeauty haircare range is sulphate-free, vegan-friendly, and certified by Beauty Without Cruelty. The retailer also confirmed that the range undergoes independent toxicological assessment as part of its quality assurance process. The recall was executed as a precautionary measure to uphold the brand's safety and quality standards.

Customers with concerns can return to their nearest Woolworths store for assistance with the refund process.

A person in a store.
A man in a grocery store. Images: Dmitrii Marchenko/Getty
Source: Getty Images

More going on at Woolies

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Nerissa Naidoo avatar

Nerissa Naidoo (Human Interest Editor) Nerissa Naidoo is a writer and editor with seven years of experience. Currently, she is a human interest writer at Briefly News and joined the publication in 2024. She began her career contributing to Morning Lazziness and later joined Featherpen.org. As a TUW ghostwriter, she focused on non-fiction, while her editorial roles at National Today and Entail.ai honed her skills in content accuracy and expert-driven editing. You can reach her at nerissa.naidoo@briefly.co.za

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