Kotex Tampons Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination

If you've got Kotex tampons at home, check your boxes: Kimberly-Clark, Kotex's parent company, has recalled the brand's Natural Balance Security Unscented Tampons (Regular Absorbency) in both the 18- and 36-count boxes, reports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recalled tampons were sold at select Walmart stores in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas; select Fry's stores in Arizona; and select Smith's stores in Utah and Arizona.

During the manufacturing process, the tampons were contaminated with the bacterium Enterobacter sakazakii, which can cause UTIs, pelvic inflammatory disease, and potentially life-threatening vaginal infections. There is also a chance that the bacteria can be transmitted between individuals.

Consumers should stop using the tampons immediately and contact a physician if you have used them, or if you experience unusual vaginal discharge, rash, fever, headache, vomiting or abdominal pain, particularly if you have AIDS, are HIV-positive, are pregnant or have cancer or any other existing serious illness.

Consumers should also contact Kimberly-Clark’s Consumer Services Division at 1-800-335-6839 so the necessary information and arrangements can be made to retrieve the unused product.

Here is the full list of carton lot numbers and SKU codes:

Kimberly-Clark Kotex Natural Balance* Security® Regular Uncented Tampons
Carton Lot Number	Carton Count	SKU
AC129321X	18 Count	15063
AC129325X	36 Count	15068
AC129321X	18 Count	15063
AC129325X	36 Count	15068
AC129321X	18 Count	15063
AC129325X	36 Count	15068
AC129321X	18 Count	15063
AC129325X	36 Count	15068
AC129321X	18 Count	15063
AC129325X	36 Count	15068
AC129321X	18 Count	15063
AC129325X	36 Count	15068
AC129321X	18 Count	15063
AC129325X	36 Count	15068

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