Concerns Regarding Pluralibacter gergoviae
Pluralibacter gergoviae (formerly Enterobacter gergoviae) is a Gram-negative bacterium that is becoming a real concern in the cosmetics and personal care industry due to its resistance to many common preservatives and its potential to cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
Although infections in healthy individuals are rare, P. gergoviae can cause severe infections in people with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or those undergoing surgical procedures. The bacterium has been linked to respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, eye infections, and sepsis.
The contamination of cosmetic products with P. gergoviae has led to several product recalls, in Europe. The European rapid alert system for consumer products, Safety Gate (has documented several instances where products such as skin creams, make-up, and shampoos were contaminated with this bacterium. These contaminations pose health risks, especially to individuals with compromised immune systems.
Recently, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a recall for a shampoo sold by UK retailer which failed to meet regulatory requirements under the Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 due to the presence or potential presence of this bacterium.
Given the bacterium’s resistance to common preservatives, regular microbiological testing of cosmetic products, raw materials and the manufacturing environment is essential. Despite P. gergoviae not being a specified organism in standard microbiological quality control batch release testing, it should be considered as an objectionable organism, and it is recommended that cosmetic products be entirely free from this bacterium.
To learn more about Melbec can help ensure your products are safe from P. gergoviae, please contact us at info@melbecmicrobiology.co.uk or give us a call on 01706 214492.
