Batches of certain WBeauty Complete Clarifying shampoo products, sold at Woolworths stores, are being recalled due to a bacterium that may cause infection.

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) said in a statement that it was notified by Woolworths (PTY) Ltd of the recall, and advised that the bacterium known as Pluralibacter gergoviae is often found in wet manufacturing environments.

Pluralibacter gergoviae is a Gram-negative bacterium formerly known as Enterobacter gergoviae, and is said to be a concern in the cosmetics industry because it can contaminate products. Some strains can tolerate or resist certain cosmetic preservatives, making them harder to control in manufacturing environments.

The 250ml product, with the identifying SKU number 6009233284823, has been sold nationally since July 2025.

“The product was also exported to Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zambia and Namibia,” said the NCC in a statement.

Consumers are urged to discontinue use of the product to avoid a bacterial infection and to return it to a Woolworths store for a full refund.