| Category |
Press Release |
| Publish Date |
12/15/2025 |
| Author |
Paul Cochrane |
| Title |
Importance of Robust Microbial Testing Following Recent Cosmetic Product Recall |
| Introduction |
MPL Laboratories provides testing services for consumer goods, personal care products, cosmetics, over-the-counter medicines, and pharmaceuticals at its FDA-registered, cGMP, and ISO 17025-compliant testing facility. |
Sparta, New Jersey, December 15, 2025
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a recall of a popular brand of makeup remover cleansing towelettes after internal testing by the manufacturer revealed contamination with Pluralibacter gergoviae. More than 1,000 cases of the product were distributed across Texas, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The product was deemed out-of-specification due to the presence of this microorganism, which can compromise product safety and quality.
Pluralibacter gergoviae is a gram-negative bacterium commonly found in soil, water, and vegetation. While it is typically an opportunistic microorganism rather than a primary human pathogen, its presence in cosmetic and personal care formulations can signal a lapse in microbial control during manufacturing. In recent years, P. gergoviae has been linked to multiple recalls across the cosmetic and household goods industries.
Although the risk to the general population from P. gergoviae contamination is considered low, individuals with compromised immune systems, underlying health conditions, or damaged skin barriers may be more susceptible to irritation or infection.
To prevent these types of recalls, MPL Laboratories is committed to helping manufacturers identify and eliminate contamination risks before products enter the market. Their accredited laboratory offers a full range of microbial and sterility testing services that help companies meet FDA, ISO, and cGMP standards, protecting both consumers and brands.
All microbial testing at MPL Laboratories is performed at its fully equipped facility in New Jersey. The laboratory’s testing programs are designed to ensure product integrity, reduce the risk of recalls, and maintain regulatory compliance. These services not only help safeguard public health but also protect companies from the financial and reputational damage that can result from contaminated products.
To learn more about microbial, sterility, or other testing services provided by MPL Laboratories, please visit www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874, or email info@MPLLaboratories.com.
About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA, and DEA registered. MPL’s staff includes a Ph.D. Diplomat of the American Board of Toxicology, M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists, along with other dedicated scientific personnel. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care product industries. MPL strives to provide its clients with reliable, defensible test data delivered in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of laboratories across the United States and Canada.
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