Kao USA has issued a voluntary recall for specific lots of its Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo nationwide after detecting contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae bacteria.
The recall, announced on July 1, 2026, affects 8.5-ounce and 33.8-ounce purple bottles manufactured between February 21 and February 26, 2026.
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According to the U. S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the contaminated products were distributed across the United States and Canada.
Affected Products and Risks
The recall covers 8.5-ounce bottles with UPC 840035231242 and lot code YR010556, as well as 33.8-ounce bottles with UPC 840035231273 and lot codes YR010566 or YR010576.
These products retail starting at $52.
While Pluralibacter gergoviae poses minimal risk to healthy individuals, the FDA warned that people with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to infection.
“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 stated.
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The agency urged consumers to stop using the product immediately, regardless of their health status. Salons and retailers have been asked to remove affected batches from shelves.
Company Response
Kao USA confirmed it is working with federal investigators to retrieve contaminated batches from commercial 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 stated.
“At Kao USA, the safety of our products and consumers is our highest priority,” the manufacturer added.
“We are working with our partners to review manufacturing practices to help prevent similar issues in the future.”
Consumers who purchased the recalled shampoo can contact the Kao Professional Hair Technical Hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.
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com to request a product replacement.
