Woolworths recalls WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo

Woolworths has issued a voluntary recall of its WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo (250ml) with immediate effect, after routine quality assurance testing detected the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae in a limited batch of the product.

The retailer identified the issue through its ongoing quality assurance processes, which flagged a concern affecting a limited batch and prompted additional testing. This testing confirmed the presence of Pluralibacter gergoviae, a bacterium that occurs naturally in environments including water, soil and plants, and is sometimes found in wet manufacturing environments. The organism has also been associated with contamination of personal care products, as it can survive the standard chemical preservatives used in everyday cosmetic formulations.

Assessing the risk profile

While the risk to healthy individuals is considered low, Woolworths has advised customers with weakened immune systems to discontinue use of the product to avoid possible bacterial infection.

The retailer noted that people with open wounds or broken skin, or those with invasive medical lines, may also be more vulnerable to opportunistic infections. In some cases, Pluralibacter gergoviae can cause skin and soft-tissue infections, bloodstream infections, respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.

The way forward for consumers

The WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo is sold in a single 250ml variant and has been removed from shelves across all Woolworths stores. Customers who have purchased the product should return it to their nearest Woolworths store for a full refund. Proof of purchase is not required.

For more information, customers can contact the Woolworths Customer Service Centre on 0860 022 002 or email custserv@woolworths.co.za.

A robust quality assurance framework

According to online reports, Woolworths states its beauty products are assessed by independent toxicologists and accredited laboratories, with formulas undergoing dermatological testing to ensure safety for use.

The retailer reportedly conducts over 18 000 product safety checks annually as part of its quality assurance framework. The WBeauty range is manufactured in South Africa, which the retailer says supports regional supply chains and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance transport.

Pluralibacter gergoviae in personal care manufacturing

For formulators and manufacturers, the recall underscores the ongoing challenge of microbial contamination in wet manufacturing environments. Pluralibacter gergoviae – formerly classified under the Enterobacter genus – is an opportunistic pathogen that thrives in moisture-rich settings. It has demonstrated resistance to certain preservative systems commonly used in personal care products. Its detection in a cosmetic product is not unprecedented; similar recalls have occurred internationally, including a 2022 recall in Australia involving a shampoo product contaminated with Enterobacter gergoviae.

The incident highlights the importance of robust microbiological testing protocols, particularly for water-containing formulations where microbial growth can occur if preservative systems are compromised or manufacturing environments are not adequately controlled. For the cosmetics industry, it also serves as a reminder that voluntary recalls, while commercially uncomfortable, are a critical component of consumer safety infrastructure.