The Honest Company, which was co-founded by Hollywood actress Jessica Alba, recently recalled its organic baby powder because of possible microorganism contamination.
The recall was a voluntary act after test results showed that the powder contained microorganisms that may cause eye and skin infection.
The company released a video on its website announcing the voluntary recall. This move preempts complaints of irritations caused by the organic baby powder.
Organic Baby Powder Recall
"During recent testing of our organic baby powder, possible contaminations with microorganism was found including some species associated with skin or eye infections," Christopher Gavigan, Honest co-founder said. "For that reason and with the full knowledge and under the guidance of the FDA, we've decided to voluntarily recall this product out of an abundance of caution."
According to Gavigan, no other products were found to contain the same microorganism. The company apologized for the inconvenience caused by the recall, and advised that consumers who bought the Honest Organic Baby Powder in 4 oz. containers with UPC number 817810014529 can claim a full refund.
The company is also open to communicate with its customers by opening the hotline 1-888-688-8653 for those in the United States and 1-888-532-0190 for those in Canada. Email correspondence can also be sent to support@thehonestcompany.com and by using "Baby Powder" in the subject for faster response.
The Honest Company takes pride in producing "safe and effective" family and home products. It was founded by Alba along with her business partners in 2011. However, this isn't the first time that the formulation of the products sold by the company was questioned.
Honest Company Complaints
Last year, Alba expressed her disappointment over a Wall Street Journal report, which claimed that The Honest Company detergent contains a chemical called sodium lauryl sulfate. Alba denied that her company's detergent uses the said chemical, explaining that in lieu of sodium lauryl sulfate, The Honest Company uses sodium coco sulfate, a friendlier alternative.
In April last year, a group called Organic Consumers Association filed a lawsuit against The Honest Company. The group claimed that the supposed organic products sold by Alba's company actually contain 11 synthetic substances that are prohibited under federal law and that the company violates the California Organic Products Act of 2003.
Despite the allegations pertaining to The Honest Company's line of organic products, Unilever expressed interest in the startup. Last September, it was reported that Unilever offered to buy the company for $1 billion. This did not push through, however, since Unilever favored another company that produces plant-based detergents, according to the LA Times.
Other Honest Company products that have received complaints are its baby food and sunscreen.
