The K-Y Jelly Recall: What You Need to Know
K-Y brand lubricants have long been a staple in bedrooms across America. However, a recent voluntary recall by K-Y's parent company has left many consumers concerned. This article will provide an overview of the recall, including which products are affected, what sparked the recall, and what it means for consumers.
Background on K-Y Jelly
K-Y Jelly is a water-based, glycerin-free lubricant manufactured by K-Y Brand. The lubricant was first introduced in 1904 by Van Horn & Sawtell, a pharmaceutical company in Connecticut. The name "K-Y" derives from the scientific shorthand for "water-soluble."
Over the years, K-Y grew into an internationally recognized brand. A range of personal lubricants and massage gels were introduced under the K-Y banner. In 1994, the company was acquired by Johnson & Johnson. Today, the K-Y brand includes lubricants, moisturizers, and other intimacy products.
The Recall: Which Products Are Affected?
In November 2022, K-Y's parent company, Reckitt, issued a voluntary recall of some personal lubricant products. The recall impacts specific lots of the following K-Y products:
- K-Y Jelly Lubricant 2 oz
- K-Y Jelly Lubricant 3 oz
- K-Y Jelly Lubricant 4 oz
- K-Y Jelly Lubricant 7 oz
- K-Y Touch Silky - Lubricant Gel, 4 oz
- K-Y Touch Tingling Lubricant Gel, 2 oz
- K-Y Ultimate Gel Lubricant, 3 oz
The affected products were distributed across the United States between August 2021 and August 2022. Only certain lot numbers are impacted. Consumers can check their lot number against the recall notice to see if their K-Y lubricant is affected.
What Prompted the Voluntary Recall?
The voluntary recall was sparked when an investigation at the manufacturing facility revealed bacterial contamination in some lots of the lubricant. The bacteria Burkholderia cenocepacia was detected during quality control testing.
B. cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that poses little medical risk to healthy individuals. However, it can cause issues for those with compromised immune systems, chronic lung conditions, or open wounds. The bacteria is known to survive on surfaces and withstand disinfectants.
Although no infections have been reported to date, the company decided to issue a voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution.
What Does the Recall Mean for Consumers?
If you have one of the affected K-Y products, the company advises stopping use immediately. You can request a refund directly from Reckitt by visiting the recall website or calling their consumer relations hotline.
If you've used the recalled lubricant recently without any issues, there's likely minimal cause for concern. However, those with weakened immune systems may want to consult their doctor as a precaution. Monitor yourself for potential symptoms of infection, including skin redness, rashes, fever, chills, and flu-like aches.
Discontinue use of the recalled K-Y products. Be sure to also properly clean any objects, toys, or surfaces that may have had contact with the lubricant. As an added precaution, consider replacing pillows, bedding, or clothing that absorbed larger amounts of the product.
Are Other K-Y Products Impacted?
At this time, no other K-Y branded lubricants, moisturizers, or personal care products are impacted by the voluntary recall. Only the specific lots of the 7 products listed above have been flagged for potential bacterial contamination.
K-Y continues to assure customers that non-recalled K-Y products remain safe for use. All other batches of their lubricants, gels, and moisturizers were manufactured according to quality standards without issues.
When Will the Issue Be Resolved?
K-Y and Reckitt officials say they are working diligently with the FDA to investigate the source of the bacterial contamination. Steps are being taken to thoroughly clean, disinfect, and sanitize the manufacturing equipment and facility.
New safety protocols will be implemented to ensure defective products do not leave the factory in the future. This includes enhanced testing for microbial contamination. The changes will also improve traceability and make it easier to pinpoint problems.
For now, recalled K-Y batches remain unavailable for sale. Once the company and FDA are satisfied that the issue has been fully resolved, production and distribution of the lubricants will resume.
Are Other Personal Lubricants Also Contaminated?
Currently, there have been no reports of similar bacterial contamination issues impacting other personal lubricant brands like Astroglide, Slippery Stuff, Sliquid, or Wet. The voluntary recall appears isolated to select lots of K-Y lubricants.
However, the situation serves as an important reminder to properly store and handle personal lubricants. Keep your lubricant in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Never add water or saliva directly to the bottle. Always wash hands and toys thoroughly before use. Check expiration dates and look for signs of contamination like smell, color, or texture changes.
What If I Experience an Infection or Reaction?
Although unlikely, it's possible you may experience irritation, infection, or other adverse reaction from using the recalled K-Y lubricant. Seek prompt medical attention if you have symptoms like itching, burning, redness, swelling, rash, fever, or abdominal pain.
Be sure to let your doctor know you recently used one of the affected K-Y products prior to the onset of symptoms. This will help with an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. You can also file an adverse event report through the FDA's MedWatch program.
The Takeaway on the K-Y Jelly Recall
The voluntary recall of select K-Y lubricants serves as a reminder to be vigilant about product quality and safety. While the risk appears relatively low, discarded affected products and monitor yourself for potential infections if you've used recalled batches.
Check your lubricant's lot number against the recall notice. Request a refund if needed. And consider switching to another trusted brand in the meantime. With enhanced safety protocols in place, K-Y distribution will hopefully resume soon.
As always, use personal lubricants safely by avoiding cross-contamination, storing properly, and being attentive to any changes in product appearance or your health following use.
FAQs
What K-Y products are being recalled?
The recall impacts specific lots of K-Y Jelly, K-Y Touch, and K-Y Ultimate Gel lubricants in 2 oz to 7 oz sizes. Only certain lot numbers are affected. Check your lot number against the recall notice.
Why are the K-Y lubricants being recalled?
Testing at the manufacturing facility found bacterial contamination in some batches. The bacteria Burkholderia cenocepacia was detected during routine quality control testing.
What should I do if I have a recalled K-Y lubricant?
Immediately stop using the product. You can request a refund from K-Y's parent company Reckitt by contacting consumer relations or visiting the recall website.
Could the recalled lubricants make me sick?
The risk is low for most healthy individuals. But those with weakened immune systems should consult a doctor if they've used the recalled product. Monitor for symptoms of infection like rash, fever, and chills.
Are other personal lubricant brands also affected?
No, as of now no other lubricant brands have been affected. The contamination appears isolated to the recalled batches of K-Y products.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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