The manufacturer, Unilever, said the recall was being carried out as a precaution after testing identified the possible presence of bacteria in some units. According to Unilever, the bacteria have the potential to cause eye inflammation for some consumers, although the company has stressed that other Simple products are not affected.
Which Simple Micellar Water Bottles Are Affected
The recall applies specifically to Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water in the 730ml bottle and only where the batch code printed on the packaging is either 613841 or 613941. The batch code can be found on the bottom of the bottle as a sequence of numbers printed directly onto the packaging.
According to Unilever’s product recall notice, other Simple products, other pack sizes of the same micellar cleansing water and 730ml bottles carrying different batch codes are not included.
That means smaller sizes, including 200ml and 400ml bottles sold by retailers such as Boots and Superdrug, are not subject to the warning described in the recall. Consumers who are uncertain whether their bottle is involved have been advised to check the number on the base rather than relying solely on the product name or appearance.
Unilever said the recall followed testing that identified the possible presence of bacteria in some units from the specified batches. The company described the measure as precautionary and said the safety of people who buy and use its products remained its priority. Anyone who has health concerns after using an affected bottle has been advised by the manufacturer to seek guidance from a medical professional.
What B&M and Savers Customers Should Do
Consumers who have a bottle with either affected batch code should stop using it. Refund arrangements differ slightly depending on how customers choose to deal with the recall. According to the recall information published by B&M, customers who bought the product should retain the packaging and return it to a B&M store, where they can receive a full refund. The retailer has also directed customers with questions to its customer services number, 0330 8389000.
Savers has similarly told customers to stop using affected bottles immediately. Shoppers can contact the Unilever UK Careline by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 0800 146 252 for guidance and a refund.
Savers has also said customers can visit one of its stores with proof of purchase and request a refund or exchange. Unilever’s own recall guidance states that proof of purchase is not required when dealing directly with its Careline; customers are instead asked, where possible, to provide a photograph showing the affected batch code. The recall remains limited to the two specified 730ml batches. Consumers with other Simple products or micellar water bottles carrying different codes are not included in the notice.
