Periogard Mouthwash, a product of Colgate-Palmolive, was recalled in European and Australasian countries when it was found to be contaminated with bacteria.

The bacteria found were known to be Burkholderia. And because of these microorganisms, people with suppressed immune system and chronic lung diseases are at risk of infection. However, healthy people are not usually affected.

"For healthy people, there should be no problems, however, for some there could be a small potential risk of infection.” says Gerald Heddell, UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) director of inspection, enforcement and standards.

“If people do have any suspected side effects, then they should contact their (doctor)".

Retained samples were tested to confirm bacterial contamination. So far, there are no illnesses or adverse reactions recorded yet.

Colgate is now working hand in hand with the MHRA to get rid of products contaminated with the bacteria and to avoid this from happening in the future.

A month ago, Insight Pharmaceuticals also recalled Nostrilla Nasal Decongestant nasal spray because of Burkholderia contaminations. The products were distributed all over the US and were recalled right away after a microbiological test confirming that the nasal sprays were contaminated.

However, there were also no reported illnesses.

What is Burkholderia?

Burkholderia is a genus named after a plant pathologist Walter H. Burkholder from Cornell University who discovered the organism. It is known to have pathogenic members. The two pathogens of Burkholderia affect plants and animals. On the other hand, the third species which is Burkholderia cepacia is an essential pathogen that can aggravate pulmonary conditions of people with cystic fibrosis.

Burkholderia species are usually used in agricultural purposes like plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria and biodegradation. However, it is a controversial topic that is usually debated because of the harm that it can bring to immune suppressed people.