Pricy shampoo recalled after contamination concerns in US and Canada
A high-end haircare brand has recalled one of its shampoos in the United States and Canada after the detection of Pluralibacter gergoviae - a potentially dangerous bacterium.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said the recall is currently limited to specific lots of the Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in 8.5oz and 33.8oz sizes, but an investigation into the scope of the issue remains ongoing.
“Though Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria pose little medical risk to healthy people, those with certain health issues such as weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection by the bacteria,” the FDA said.
The affected products were manufactured between February 21, 2026 and February 26, 2026.
The shampoo is available in New Zealand retailing for $87 for 250ml, although it is not yet known whether the affected batches have been distributed locally.
The Herald has approached Oribe and Product Safety New Zealand for comment and clarification.
The following products have been recalled:
- Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo (in 8.5oz and 33.8oz sizes).
- The affected lot codes for the 8.5oz size (UPC 840035231242) can be found on the bottom of the bottle, printed in black, and begin with the prefix “YR”: o YR010556
- The affected lot codes for the 33.8oz size (UPC 840035231273) can be found on the bottom of the bottle, printed in black, and begin with the prefix “YR”: o YR010566 o YR010576
Some batches of Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo were recalled in the US and Canada. Photo / Oribe
Oribe manufacturer Kao USA said the company was working with the FDA to recall the lots of contaminated shampoo from warehouses.
“We are also asking retail and salon partners to remove affected lots from use and/or sale and return them to us for safe disposal,” the company said in a statement.
“The safety of our products and consumers is our highest priority,” the company continued. “We are working with our partners to review manufacturing practices to help prevent similar issues in the future.”
Pluralibacter gergoviae occurs naturally in the environment, commonly inhabiting soil, water, insects and plants. It is also known to colonise the human oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, according to a paper in the journal Cosmetics.
The bacteria is of particular interest to the cosmetics industry, as it is naturally resistant to parabens, a common antimicrobial agent added to cosmetic products.
Pluralibacter gergoviae has been responsible for the recalls of eye cream, children’s shampoo, skin cream, hand cleaning paste, and cleansing wipes.
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