Listerine recalls children's plaque rinse

updated 1:21 p.m. ET April 12, 2007

WASHINGTON - Johnson & Johnson recalled a recently launched Listerine plaque-detecting rinse marketed primarily for use by children after testing revealed contamination by microorganisms.

The company’s McNeil-PPC Inc. unit recalled all 4 million bottles of Glacier Mint and Bubble Blast flavors of Listerine Agent Cool Blue plaque-detecting rinse, a spokeswoman said Wednesday. The recall covers all lots sold or distributed since the product’s launch last year.

The recall does not include any other Listerine products, including traditional versions that contain alcohol, spokeswoman Meghan Marschall said. Agent Cool Blue is alcohol-free.

The company said product testing showed contamination by microorganisms despite the use of preservatives. There have been no reports of consumer health problems associated with the contamination, it said. It added the risk of illness is low, except for individuals with weakened or suppressed immune systems.

Consumers should stop using and properly discard the product. The company is offering full refunds. For more information, call 888-222-0249 or visit the Web site.

The rinse tints plaque blue, highlighting it to encourage better brushing habits, Marschall said.

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