Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner Recall Issued Over Bacterial Contamination

Nearly five million bottles of Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaners have been recalled, due to a risk that they may be contaminated with Pseudomonas species bacteria, which could cause serious and potentially life-threatening infections.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)  announced a Fabuloso recall on February 8, warning consumers to stop using the cleaning liquids immediately.

The action comes only a few weeks after a Pine-Sol recall was issued for 37 million bottles of that competing multi-surface cleaner, which was also linked a risk of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

While no illnesses have been linked to the recalled Fabuloso, the CPSC indicates individuals with a weakened immune system or external medical devices may face a risk of serious infections requiring medical treatment if they are exposed to the bacteria, which can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes or a break in the skin.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an environmental organism found widely in soil and water. While it is not dangerous to most individuals, people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed to the bacteria face a risk of serious health complications.

The bacterium is a predominant cause of lung infection among people with cystic fibrosis. It is also a danger to those undergoing chemotherapy.  It is difficult to treat because the bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics.

Fabuloso Scented Cleaners Recall

The Fabuloso cleaner recall includes approximately 4.9 million bottles marked with lot codes beginning with 2348US78 through 2365US78 and 3001US78 through 3023US7. The recall includes the following scented cleaning products and bottles sizes;

• Fabuloso Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Lavender Scent, 22 FL OZ
• Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2X Concentrated Formula, Lavender Scent, 56 FL OZ, 128 FL OZ, 169 FL OZ
• Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Lavender Scent, 210 FL OZ
• Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser, Lavender Scent, 1 GALLON
• Fabuloso Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Refreshing Lemon Scent, 22 FL OZ
• Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2X Concentrated Formula, Refreshing Lemon Scent, 33.8 FL OZ, 56 FL OZ, 128 FL OZ and 169 FL OZ
• Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2X Concentrated Formula, Passion of Fruits Scent, 33.8 FL OZ, 56 FL OZ, 128 FL OZ and 169 FL OZ
• Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner Bleach Alternative 2X Concentrated Formula, Spring Fresh Scent, 56 FL OZ
• Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser, Ocean Scent, 1 GALLON

The cleaners were manufactured by Colgate-Palmolive Company, of New York, and were distributed for sale by Amazon.com and major retailers including Dollar General, Family Dollar, The Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and others between December 2022 and January 2023.

Federal health officials are warning customers to discard the bottles with the remaining cleaning solution remaining in the bottle, and to not pour the liquids down the drain. Instead, customers are being instructed to take a picture of the product’s UPC and lot code and dispose of the product in its container with household trash. Colgate-Palmolive Company is offering customers a full refund, which can be retained by submitting the manufacturer’s consumer recall form here.

Pine-Sol Bacteria Contamination Recall

Following the similar recall for Pine Sol bottles first issued in October 2022, Clorox has faced a number of Pine-Sol class action lawsuits over the infection risk.

The Pine-Sol recall impacted certain bottles of that Clorox-brand Muti-surface Cleaners sold in Lavender Clean, Sparkling Wave, and Lemon Fresh scents; CloroxPro Pine-Sol All Purpose Cleaners in Lavender Clean, Sparkling Wave, Lemon Fresh and Orange Energy scents; and Clorox Professional Pine-Sol Lemon fresh cleaners. Affected bottles have date codes beginning with the prefix “A4” and followed by a five-digit number less than 22249. The products are sold in bottles of 28, 48, 60, 100, 144, and 175 fluid ounces.

Clorox officials indicate they became aware of the contamination following a routine product review by the research and development team.