Bulk Soap Contamination

Studies show unsuspecting handwashers could be putting their health at risk when using bulk soap from open refillable soap dispensers

Recent studies conducted at the University of Arizona found that 23 to 25%¹ of bulk soap dispensers may contain contaminated soap. Soap from contaminated bulk soap dispensers can put users at significant risk.

• 23 to 25% of samples taken from open refillable bulk soap reservoir dispensers were contaminated with unsafe levels of bacteria
• Coliforms, illness causing fecal-based organisms, were found in 16 to 22% of the bulk soap dispensers tested

In contrast, no contamination was found in soap that was dispensed from systems using SANITARY SEALED™ refills. Find out more >

1. Dr. Charles P. Gerba Bulk Soap Contamination. Unpublished Studies. University of Arizona 2006, 2007.

A recent study conducted at the University of Arizona by a prominent microbiologist, Dr. Charles P. Gerba, revealed that liquid hand soap collected from open refillable (commonly known as bulk) dispensing systems are a public health risk.

Study shows that bacteria is transferred from hands to other surfaces.

An interview with Dr. Charles P. Gerba, University of Arizona Microbiologist and director of the study on bulk soap contamination.

When GOJO Industries learned about the contamination issues of open refillable bulk soap reservoir dispensers, we wanted to know if it was based on verifiable data.

B.A. in Microbiology, Arizona State University, 1969; Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Miami, Florida, 1973