Johnson & Johnson recalls lot of Aveeno Baby Lotion for excess bacteria

In the latest Johnson & Johnson recall, the company has announced a recall of baby lotion, as federal regulators have identified excessive levels of bacteria in a product sample that was tested.

Johnson & Johnson made the announcement on Friday. It said that it is recalling more than 2,000 tubes of its Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion.

The recall, which the company said was precautionary in nature, covers only one lot of Aveeno Baby Calming Comfort Lotion. The lot number is 0161LK. That particular lot went to stores in nine different states. The affected states are Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.

Johnson & Johnson said that U.S. Food and Drug Administration testing of a product sample showed the lot exceeded specifications for bacteria. However, the company added that extensive follow-up testing by an independent laboratory afterward did not show a similar result.

Johnson & Johnson said that the recall is being carried out at the retail level, and consumers who have bought the affected product can still use it. Still, while the company's statement indicated that consumers are not affected, they can call J&J’s consumer call center at 1-877-298-2525 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST if they have any questions. Johnson & Johnson said that injuries are unlikely, adding that none have been reported.

In a press release, Johnson & Johnson said,

"That test indicated that the lot exceeded the specifications for common bacteria, though extensive testing by an independent laboratory afterward did not show that specifications were exceeded. However, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies Inc. has voluntarily initiated this recall out of an abundance of caution. This action is not being undertaken on the basis of adverse events and the potential for adverse health effects is remote."

The bacteria in question was identified by the company as coagulase-negative Staphylococci, which Johnson & Johnson described as a family of bacteria that naturally occurs in the environment. "These are common bacteria often found on the skin and scalp of babies and adults, and found in commonly used household and cosmetic products, at very low levels." The company did not release the amount that was detected in the sample.

While the scope of the recall --- one lot --- is small, the recall does nothing to help the company's repution. Johnson & Johnson has issued in the neighborhood of 30 recalls since 2009.

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