Overview
- Kao USA issued a voluntary recall posted by the FDA for Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo in 8.5 oz and 33.8 oz sizes after tests found Pluralibacter gergoviae in lots manufactured Feb. 21–26, 2026.
- Affected lot codes begin with the prefix “YR” (examples include YR010556 for 8.5 oz and YR010566 and YR010576 for 33.8 oz) and can be found printed on the bottom of the bottle.
- Consumers are urged to stop using the specified bottles and to contact Kao’s technical hotline at 800-333-2442 or email oribecomplaints@kao.com to arrange replacements or report reactions.
- No illnesses linked to these lots have been reported so far, but the FDA and Kao warn that Pluralibacter gergoviae can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems or other underlying health problems.
- Kao says it is removing impacted lots from warehouses, asking retailers and salons to return affected product for disposal, and reviewing manufacturing practices while Health Canada has not yet issued a parallel recall.