Since its introduction in 2005, an increasing number of products posing a microbiological risk have been notified via the European rapid alert system for consumer products "Safety Gate" (formerly RAPEX). Ten cosmetic products listed in the RAPEX database were affected by confirmed contamination with P. gergoviae.
If products contaminated with P. gergoviae are used, the bacterium can enter the body via open wounds or the mucous membranes. Severe infections may develop in people with pre-existing conditions.
In the opinion of the BfR, externally applied cosmetic products should be free of P. gergoviae in order to avoid a health risk for humans. The health risks associated with the use of such cosmetic products cannot currently be quantified due to the lack of reliable data.
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About the BfR
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) in Germany. It advises the German federal government and German federal states ("Laender") on questions of food, chemical and product safety. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.
This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.