By Kiera Howard 
Breaking News: The Tec Italy shampoo Klebsiella oxytoca recall has sparked serious concerns among consumers after 1,068 bottles tested positive for harmful bacteria. If you’ve got this product sitting in your bathroom right now, stop using it immediately.
Quick Facts: What You Need to Know
TL;DR:
- Product: Tec Italy Totale Shampoo (33.81 fl. oz green bottle)
- Lot Number: 1G27542266
- Action Required: Stop use immediately, return for full refund
- Health Risk: Can cause skin, eye, and respiratory infections
- No injuries reported yet, but people with weakened immune systems face higher risks
What Is Klebsiella Oxytoca?
Definition: Klebsiella oxytoca is a type of bacteria that normally lives harmlessly in human intestines but can cause infections when it ends up in the wrong places, like on your skin or in your eyes. Think of it as a houseguest that belongs in one room but causes trouble when it wanders elsewhere.
The Recall Details That Matter
Henkel Capital S.A. de C.V. pulled their Tec Italy Totale Shampoo from shelves on 25 March 2025 after testing revealed bacterial contamination. The FDA classified this as a Class II recall, which means using this product could cause temporary health problems.
Check Your Bottle Now:
- Product: Tec Italy Totale Shampoo
- Size: 33.81 fl. oz./1L green plastic bottle
- Lot Number: 1G27542266 (check the side of your bottle)
- UPC: 7501438375850
- Expiration Date: May 27, 2027
Understanding the Contamination
The bacteria found in this shampoo normally lives harmlessly in your gut. Problems start when it shows up where it shouldn’t be. When you wash your hair with a contaminated product, you’re introducing bacteria straight to your scalp, eyes, and skin.
These microorganisms are called “opportunistic” because they wait for the right moment to cause problems. An open cut, irritated skin, or weakened immune system gives them that opportunity.
Who Faces the Biggest Risk?
High-risk groups include:
- People with weakened immune systems (those fighting other illnesses)
- Anyone with open cuts or wounds
- Elderly individuals
- Young children
- Those taking medications that suppress immunity
The CDC reports that Klebsiella infections typically spread through direct contact, making proper hygiene and product safety crucial for everyone, especially vulnerable populations.
7 Symptoms to Watch For After Using Recalled Shampoo
If you’ve used this product recently, monitor yourself for these warning signs:
- Fever and chills
- Skin irritation or unusual redness
- Eye infections or discharge
- Breathing problems
- Flu-like body aches
- Painful urination (if bacteria spreads internally)
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
When to Seek Help:
Don’t panic if you’ve used the shampoo and feel fine. Most healthy adults won’t develop serious complications. But if you notice any symptoms, especially if your immune system is already compromised, contact your doctor right away.
The Troubling Pattern: Second Recall in Three Months
This isn’t just about one bad batch. The same manufacturer recalled another product just two months earlier:
- January 2025: Tec Italy Tonico Shampoo recalled for E. coli
- March 2025: Tec Italy Totale Shampoo recalled for Klebsiella oxytoca
Both products came from the same facility in Huixquilucan, Mexico. When the same factory has multiple contamination issues within months, it points to systemic manufacturing problems.
Where Was It Sold?
The contaminated bottles reached consumers nationwide through multiple channels:
Distribution Network:
- Primary hubs: New York and California
- Professional salons across the country
- Online retailers (available internationally)
Known Distributors:
- C & R Beauty
- Caesar’s Professional Products Inc.
- Vero Beauty Distributors
Major retailers including Walmart, Target, and Amazon carry the brand, though specific lot distribution remains unclear. Salon purchases create unique tracking challenges since many don’t maintain detailed customer records.
4 Steps to Take If You Have the Recalled Product
Step 1: Stop Using It Immediately
If your bottle matches the recall details, stop using it today. The risk isn’t worth it.
Step 2: Safe Disposal
Since the FDA didn’t provide disposal guidance, follow these steps:
- Don’t pour it down drains or toilets
- Seal the bottle tightly
- Place in a plastic bag
- Dispose in regular household waste
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling
Step 3: Get Your Refund
Return the product to where you bought it for a full refund. No receipt? Most retailers will honour the recall anyway.
Step 4: Document and Report
- Take photos of your bottle showing the lot number
- Note any symptoms you’ve experienced
- Email Henkel at: sacli@henkel.com for questions
- Report adverse reactions to FDA’s MedWatch
Why This Matters for Beauty Product Safety
This recall highlights gaps in cosmetic safety oversight. Unlike pharmaceuticals, beauty products face less stringent manufacturing requirements. The Journal of Hospital Infection documented cases where similar contamination led to serious infections.
Recent retail struggles and store closures partly stem from consumer confidence issues. When trusted brands fail basic quality control, shoppers lose faith in the entire industry.
Expert Analysis: What Went Wrong?
Microbiologists studying bacterial contamination in cosmetics point to several potential failure points:
- Water systems: Contaminated water used in production
- Equipment: Inadequate sanitisation between batches
- Testing gaps: Insufficient quality control checks
- Storage issues: Improper temperature or humidity control
The National Library of Medicine research shows these bacteria can survive in various environments, making strict manufacturing controls essential for consumer safety.
Your Questions Answered
Can I use other Tec Italy products safely?
Only two specific products have been recalled. However, given the pattern from the same facility, extra caution seems reasonable. Check lot numbers carefully on any products you own.
How long before symptoms appear?
Most infections develop within days of exposure. If you’ve used the shampoo for weeks without issues, serious problems are unlikely.
Should I get tested even without symptoms?
For most healthy people, no. But those with weakened immune systems should consult their healthcare provider about potential testing.
What about opened bottles from different lots?
If your lot number doesn’t match 1G27542266, your bottle wasn’t part of this specific recall. Still, stay alert for future announcements.
Is compensation available beyond refunds?
Currently, only refunds are offered. Document any medical expenses if you experience health issues, as this could change.
The Bigger Picture
This recall reveals systemic issues in cosmetic manufacturing. Two bacterial contamination events within months from the same facility can’t be dismissed as coincidence.
The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency emphasises that cosmetic safety requires the same vigilance as food safety. Yet enforcement often lags behind.
Moving Forward: Protecting Yourself
This situation serves as a wake-up call about product safety. Smart consumers should:
- Check recall databases regularly
- Store products properly (bacteria thrive in warm, moist bathrooms)
- Replace products past expiration dates
- Report problems to help others avoid harm
The Bottom Line
The Tec Italy shampoo Klebsiella oxytoca recall affects 1,068 bottles that could harbour dangerous bacteria. While no injuries have been reported yet, the risk remains real for vulnerable individuals. Check your products now, claim your refund if affected, and stay informed about cosmetic safety. Your health matters more than any beauty routine.