Story Highlight
- Baylis & Harding recalls specific hand wash batch codes 6210A and 6211A.
- Product presents microbiological risk due to Pluralibacter gergoviae contamination.
- UK OPSS classifies the contamination risk level as low.
- Customers can return affected items for a full refund at retailers.
- Consumers advised to stop using product and check batch codes.
Full Story
The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has announced a recall of certain batches of a one-litre eco refill hand wash manufactured by Baylis & Harding, due to microbiological risks. The affected batches, identified by codes 6210A and 6211A, have been withdrawn from customers through various retailers, including Amazon, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, and Waitrose.
The recall notice, published on 16 September 2026, indicates that testing has detected Pluralibacter gergoviae in the affected products, which poses a low-level risk of infection or adverse health effects, particularly for vulnerable individuals or those with compromised skin barriers. The product in question is an oud, cedar, and amber scented hand wash, which does not comply with the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, known as the Cosmetics Regulation.
Sainsbury’s has acknowledged the issue, stating that the affected products fall outside the microbiological specifications and has advised customers not to use them. The recall notice from Sainsbury’s identifies the product under SKU 8194780 and urges customers who purchased the affected items to return them for a full refund. Sainsbury’s confirmed that no other products from Baylis & Harding are implicated in this recall.
Customers are asked to check the batch codes on their refill pouches, with only items featuring the codes 6210A or 6211A being included in the recall. Waitrose has also provided guidance, instructing customers with the affected pouches not to use them and to return them to any Waitrose & Partners branch for a refund.
The OPSS reiterates that individuals in possession of the recalled products should immediately stop using them and return them to the place of purchase. The recall is facilitated by Baylis & Harding alongside the retailers involved. The official product recall carries the PSD notification number 2609-0060 and was initiated by Local Authority Trading Standards.
Source: read the original report.
What this means for your site
This recall highlights the critical need for stringent quality control measures in product manufacturing to prevent potential microbiological risks. In this instance, affected batches of hand wash produced by Baylis & Harding failed to meet the required safety standards set out in the Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1223/2009), which mandates that cosmetic products should not pose a threat to human health. To mitigate such risks in the future, manufacturers should implement comprehensive testing protocols and regularly review their compliance with existing legislation.
Furthermore, health and safety regulations such as the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which requires employers to ensure the safety of employees and consumers alike, must be strictly adhered to, alongside the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 that necessitate risk assessments and control measures being in place to protect consumers.
Concrete steps that could be taken include instituting a robust quality assurance program with routine testing for microbial contaminants in products, and establishing clearer communication protocols for rapid product recalls to protect public safety. Regular staff training on compliance with health and safety legislation and risk management can also play a significant role in preventing similar incidents.
