Shell Scrubbers in hand soaps

During  a recent plant inspection of our maintenance shop I noticed an ingredient listed on the hand soap as shell scrubbers-this is attached.

I am aware walnut shells are used in some hand cleaners, but I am not familiar with the term "shell scrubbers".

If this ingredient is in fact derived from walnut shells we may decide to remove it from use to avoid any allergen hazards which would be unfortunate because it is a very effective cleaner.

I have searched for data on this product and found no technical information. 

Can anyone provide more information on what this "shell scrubber" substance may be?

Thanks

Craig L

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You can get an address and phone number from the header of an MSDS by searching "Woodbine MSDS". An MSDS from any of their products will give you a phone number to call and ask.

Regards

Not sure what shell scrubbers is, but in the ingredients list it contains "soy oil" so wouldn't this be an allergen source anyways?

Actually since I came to the forum to ask a related question, I will just ask it here so we can all benefit:

The scrubber that we currently use does have walnut shells present in it. I've been searching for a good alternative online and can find no information on it. Does anyone here know of a good substitute?

Was also wondering - if we allow the use of the scrub, but then they have to follow with washing with our standard hand soap, would that mitigate the allergen risk?

" Not sure what shell scrubbers is, but in the ingredients list it contains "soy oil" so wouldn't this be an allergen source anyways? "

According to FDA, highly refined oil does not contain allergen. 

Yet, I am not sure if the chemical manufacturer use highly refined soy oil to make the hand soap.

I understand that this is an old post - but we have just come across this issue as well following on from a recent site audit. The liquid hand soap used by maintenance contains an abrasive material which is a powdered walnut shell. The species is identified as being Juglans Regia. (English Walnut)

I believe that this abrasive is just the shell which has been pulverised/milled into a powder form and is not the nut flesh. The product is being sold as "all natural" and is being manufactured by a reputable chemical/detergent company. There are no warnings on the product for allergen and that it contains "tree nuts". 

I read of a man who died after being exposed to powdered walnut shell that was being used as an abrasive in sandblasting. This indicates to me that the walnut shell if not processed appropriately is hazardous to those who are allergic to walnuts. You would think that powdered walnut shell should not be permissible to use in a  product that is used for direct skin contact as the risk may be too high and that there should be warnings on the labels of this product.

I'm trying to get more information from the manufacturer - but it looks like we'll also be removing this hand cleaner from our factory - for the health and well being of our maintenance crew and remove the potential for cross contamination of our food products.