Clearly Better Foaming Pear Hand Soap Lawsuit Update: Injuries, Recall Status, and Legal Options

Intercon Chemical Co. initiated the voluntary recall on June 29, 2026, and the FDA classified the broader six-product action as Class II on September 11, 2026. Clearly Better differs from four other products in the recall because FDA-related reporting specifically identifies the bacterial species potentially contaminating this soap.

Quick Facts

• Product: Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe
• Quantity: 143 cases of 1,000-milliliter bottles
• Hazard: Potential contamination with Pseudomonas and Serratia bacteria
• Affected lots: 26-01001 and 26-01803

Latest Clearly Better by Intercon Hand Soap Recall Developments

September 2026

September 17, 2026 – National reporting based on FDA enforcement information identified Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe among six products affected by the Intercon Chemical recall. The Clearly Better product was specifically associated with potential contamination by five Pseudomonas and Serratia species. [1]

September 11, 2026 – The FDA classified Intercon Chemical Co.’s Event 99466 as a Class II recall. The enforcement event includes six hand soap products and was listed as ongoing. [2]

June 2026

June 29, 2026 – Intercon Chemical Co. initiated the voluntary recall after potential bacterial contamination was identified in hand soap products distributed through wholesale and retail channels. Clearly Better by Intercon was one of the products included in the action. [2]

What Is the Clearly Better by Intercon Hand Soap Recall?

The recall involves Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe packaged in 1,000-milliliter, or approximately 34-fluid-ounce, containers. FDA-related reporting lists 143 cases under recall number C-0014-2026.

The soap was manufactured for Intercon Chemical Company of St. Louis, Missouri. The affected product was distributed primarily through wholesale channels rather than being associated with a single consumer retailer.

How Can I Identify Recalled Clearly Better Hand Soap?

Businesses and consumers should check the product’s UPC, manufacturing code, lot code, and best-by date. The brand name or pear scent alone is not enough to identify an affected bottle.

• Product: Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe
• Size: 1,000 mL, approximately 34 fluid ounces
• UPC: 789745002615
• Manufacturing code: FICCB-HB-4X1L-0948
• Lot codes: 26-01001 and 26-01803
• Best-by dates: 03/13/28 and 03/28
• Recall number: C-0014-2026
• Quantity: 143 cases

The first affected lot carries a March 13, 2028 best-by date, while FDA-related reporting lists the second as “03/28.” Consumers should compare the entire product identification rather than relying on the date alone. [1]

Which Bacteria Were Identified in the Clearly Better Recall?

Clearly Better by Intercon is one of two products in the broader recall for which specific bacterial species were identified. The potential contaminants are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens, and Serratia nematodiphila. [1]

The other product with the same named organisms is Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe. FDA-related information describes the remaining Summit 150, Vestis, and Laura Lynn products more generally as having potential bacterial contamination.

This product-specific distinction is important because the five named organisms can appropriately be discussed in connection with Clearly Better, rather than being inferred from contamination identified in another recalled soap.

Why Can Pseudomonas Contamination Be a Health Concern?

Pseudomonas bacteria are commonly found in the environment, including water and soil. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections and is particularly associated with healthcare settings and people with weakened immune systems. [3]

The risk to an individual depends on the type of exposure, the person’s health, whether skin is broken, and other circumstances. Finding a recalled product does not mean that the user has developed an infection.

A diagnosed infection occurring after exposure also does not by itself prove that the soap was the cause. Medical evaluation, laboratory testing, product identification, and timing may all be important when assessing causation.

What Does an FDA Class II Recall Mean?

A Class II recall is used when exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or when the probability of serious adverse consequences is considered remote. The classification does not mean every person who uses the product will experience an adverse effect.

The FDA classified the Intercon hand soap event as Class II on September 11, 2026. The action remained ongoing in the FDA enforcement information reviewed for this article. [2]

Where Was Clearly Better Foaming Hand Soap Distributed?

The broader Intercon recall involved 19 wholesalers and one retailer across numerous states. TODAY reported that affected products were distributed in states including California, Pennsylvania, New York, Texas, and others. [1]

Because Clearly Better was associated with wholesale distribution, affected soap may have been used in workplaces, commercial restrooms, healthcare-related settings, offices, food-service locations, or other facilities. Public recall information does not provide a complete list of every site that received the product.

Who May Be Affected?

People who used Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe from lot 26-01001 or 26-01803 may have been exposed to an affected product. Exposure may have occurred without the user ever seeing the original bulk container if soap was transferred into a dispenser.

People with broken skin, open wounds, underlying illnesses, or weakened immune defenses may warrant additional medical attention after a suspected bacterial exposure. Anyone experiencing a concerning infection or reaction should consult a healthcare professional.

What Symptoms Could Indicate a Skin Infection?

Skin infections can produce symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, warmth, drainage, or other visible changes, depending on the organism and type of infection. MedlinePlus notes that bacterial skin infections can sometimes require antibiotic treatment. [4]

These symptoms are not specific to the Clearly Better recall and can have many causes. A healthcare professional may use an examination, culture, or other testing to determine whether an infection is present and what organism may be involved.

What Should Businesses and Consumers Do With Recalled Soap?

People with an affected Clearly Better product should stop using it. TODAY reported that recalled soap should no longer be used and should be disposed of appropriately. [1]

Businesses may also need to check storage rooms, refill bottles, wall-mounted dispensers, invoices, and supply records to determine whether recalled lots were placed into service.

If the product may be connected with a suspected injury, preserving photographs of the container, UPC, lot code, best-by date, and dispenser location can help document the exposure before the soap is discarded.

Have Clearly Better Hand Soap Infections Been Reported?

The public recall information reviewed for this article does not identify a confirmed illness count specifically linked to Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe. The recall concerns potential bacterial contamination identified in the product.

The absence of a publicly reported injury total does not mean affected soap should continue to be used. Product recall status is determined by the identifying codes and FDA enforcement action rather than whether a particular bottle has already caused a reported illness.

What Evidence May Be Important in a Clearly Better Hand Soap Claim?

Documenting exposure may be more complicated when soap was supplied through a business or commercial facility. A person may not possess a receipt or the original container.

• The original Clearly Better bottle or refill container
• UPC, lot code, and manufacturing-code photographs
• Best-by date on the container
• Workplace or facility purchasing records
• Photographs of the dispenser and exposure location
• Medical records and laboratory culture results

Evidence identifying the bacterial organism involved in an infection could be particularly relevant because five specific Pseudomonas and Serratia species are associated with the Clearly Better recall.

Who May Be Liable for a Contaminated Hand Soap Injury?

Potential liability depends on the facts of an individual case and applicable state law. Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, or other companies involved in producing and supplying an allegedly contaminated product may potentially be evaluated following an injury.

Possible claims may involve manufacturing defects, negligence, breach of warranty, or other product-liability theories. A claimant generally must establish a legal basis for liability and show that exposure to the product caused or contributed to the claimed injury.

Intercon Chemical Co. is identified as the recalling firm and manufacturer associated with Clearly Better. The FDA recall itself does not establish legal liability against Intercon or any distributor.

Current Clearly Better by Intercon Hand Soap Lawsuit Status

The principal documented federal action involving Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe is the ongoing 2026 Class II recall. Current public reporting reviewed for this article does not identify a publicly announced class action, multidistrict litigation proceeding, or nationwide personal-injury settlement specifically involving this soap.

An individual claim may still warrant legal review if a person develops a medically documented infection or significant injury allegedly connected to an affected lot. Product identification, medical causation, microbiological evidence, damages, and filing deadlines may all affect a potential claim.

Do I Qualify for a Clearly Better by Intercon Hand Soap Claim?

• Did you use Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe from lot 26-01001 or 26-01803?
• Did the product match UPC 789745002615 and an affected March 2028 best-by date?
• Did you develop a medically diagnosed infection or significant reaction after exposure?
• Can you document the soap, dispenser, exposure location, or medical treatment?

Answering yes to one or more questions does not automatically establish a lawsuit. An attorney can review the affected product, exposure history, laboratory results, medical records, distribution evidence, and applicable filing deadlines to determine whether further investigation may be appropriate.

Legal Process for a Clearly Better by Intercon Hand Soap Claim

1. Free case review. An attorney reviews the affected soap, exposure circumstances, diagnosis, and resulting losses.
2. Investigation. Evidence may include bottles, lot information, dispenser photographs, supply records, medical records, cultures, and FDA recall documentation.
3. Filing. If the evidence and applicable law support a claim, a lawsuit may be filed against one or more potentially responsible parties.
4. Discovery/negotiation. The parties may exchange evidence, obtain testimony, consult medical or microbiology experts, and discuss possible resolution.
5. Resolution. A case may conclude through settlement, dismissal, court ruling, or trial depending on its facts and procedural history.

Compensation in a Contaminated Hand Soap Case

Depending on the circumstances, an injury claim may seek damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses permitted under applicable law. Recoverable damages depend on the medical evidence, causation, severity of injury, and jurisdiction.

Compensation amounts vary by case. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Important Clearly Better Hand Soap Recall Developments

Event	Month/Year	Type	Status	Source	Notes
FDA Class II Classification	September 2026	FDA Recall Classification	Class II	[2]	Classified September 11
Clearly Better Recall	June 2026	Voluntary Product Recall	Ongoing	[2]	143 cases affected
Intercon Recall Initiated	June 2026	Voluntary Recall	Initiated	[2]	Six soaps included

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap Recall Lawsuit?

The Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap Recall Lawsuit topic concerns potential individual claims involving recalled soap potentially contaminated with five Pseudomonas and Serratia species. The recall covers 143 cases of the 1,000-milliliter product.

Which Clearly Better hand soap is recalled?

The affected product is Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe in 1,000-milliliter, or approximately 34-fluid-ounce, containers. Its UPC is 789745002615.

Which Clearly Better lot numbers are affected?

The recalled lots are 26-01001 and 26-01803. The corresponding best-by markings are 03/13/28 and 03/28.

Which bacteria are associated with the recall?

The product is potentially contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas monteilii, Serratia marcescens, and Serratia nematodiphila.

How much Clearly Better hand soap was recalled?

The recall covers 143 cases. That figure refers to shipping cases rather than the number of individual bottles or people who may have used the product.

Where was Clearly Better hand soap distributed?

The product was distributed through wholesale channels as part of the broader Intercon recall. Public FDA information does not identify every business or facility that received affected containers.

Have infections been reported from Clearly Better soap?

No confirmed product-specific illness count was identified in the public recall information reviewed for this article. The recall is based on potential bacterial contamination rather than a publicly reported outbreak attributed specifically to Clearly Better.

Can I file a Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap Recall Lawsuit?

A person with a medically documented infection or significant injury allegedly connected to an affected bottle may warrant an individual legal review. A recall alone does not prove liability, and a potential claim depends on product identification, exposure evidence, medical causation, damages, and applicable law.

Do I Have a Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one developed a serious infection or other significant injury after using recalled Clearly Better by Intercon Foaming Pear Hand Soap With Aloe, you may have legal options. Contact Schmidt & Clark for a free case review.

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References

[1] https://www.today.com/shop/hand-soap-recall-september-2026-rcna598321

[2] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ires/?Event=99466

[3] https://www.cdc.gov/pseudomonas-aeruginosa/about/index.html

[4] https://medlineplus.gov/skininfections.html