Sports balm Deep Heat Extra Strength 100g recalled after bacterial contamination

An urgent recall notice has been issued for a muscle warming and joint pain balm sold across Australia.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued the notice for 100g packages of Deep Heat Extra Strength cream on Monday due to a bacterial contamination.

Two batches of the cream were found to have had “higher than acceptable levels” of bacteria identified as Pluralibacter gergoviae.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow

Melbec Microbiology, a quality testing laboratory in the UK, notes that while Pluralibacter gergoviae infections in healthy people is rare, it can still be extremely dangerous.

“Pluralibacter gergoviae can cause severe infections in people with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses, or those undergoing surgical procedures,” the company’s website reads.

An urgent recall notice has been issued for 100g packages of Deep Heat Extra Strength cream after a bacterial contamination was found. Credit: Chemist Warehouse

“The bacterium has been linked to respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, eye infections and sepsis.”

Customers who have bought the product can identify if theirs is effected by seeing if it has a batch number V772 or V773, and has an expiry of June 2029.

“If you have purchased one of the above batches of the product, do not use it,” the TGA said.

“Return the product to the place of purchase or contact Mentholatum Australasia for further advice.”

7NEWS.com.au has contact Mentholatum Australasia for further comment.