Topline
Here’s how to identify the Fabuloso cleaning products being recalled because they may contain bacteria that can cause serious infection — and what to do if you have them in your home.
Nearly five million bottles of Fabuloso products may contain infection-causing Pseudomonas bacteria … [+]
Key Facts
The Colgate-Palmolive Company announced a voluntary recall of nearly 5 million bottles of Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaning products.
A preservative was not added at the appropriate level during manufacturing, creating a risk of Pseudomonas bacterial growth, which can cause infection for those with weakened immune systems, external medical devices or lung conditions.
The Pseudomonas bacteria can enter the body through inhalation, through the eyes or through a break in the skin.
Customers should stop using impacted products immediately, and those with impacted bottles are able to seek reimbursement.
The impacted bottles were produced between December 14 and January 23, though 3.9 million had not been released for sale.
The recalled products had been sold at retailers including Amazon, Dollar General, Home Depot, Sam’s Club and Walmart, CNN reported.
How To Identify Impacted Products
Products included in the recall will have a lot code with the first eight digits between 2348US78 through 2365US78 and 3001US78 through 3023US78, according to the company. Lot codes including “MX” are not included in the recall and may be used. Bottles purchased before December 16 are not included in the recall. The recall doesn’t include Fabuloso Antibacterial of any scent, Fabuloso 2X Citrus & Fruits with Baking Soda, Orange with Baking Soda or Tropical Spring, or Fabuloso Original Apple with Vinegar.
Which Products Are Impacted
- Fabuloso Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Lavender Scent (22 fluid ounces)
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2X Concentrated Formula, Lavender Scent (56, 128 and 169 fluid ounces)
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Lavender Scent (210 fluid ounces)
- Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser, Lavender Scent (one gallon)
- Fabuloso Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Refreshing Lemon Scent (22 fluid ounces)
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2X Concentrated Formula, Refreshing Lemon Scent (33.8, 56, 128 and 169 fluid ounces)
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2X Concentrated Formula, Passion of Fruits Scent (33.8, 56, 128 and 169 fluid ounces)
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner Bleach Alternative 2X Concentrated Formula, Spring Fresh Scent (56 fluid ounces)
- Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser, Ocean Scent (one gallon)
What To Do If You Have Impacted Products
Consumers with impacted bottles can submit a reimbursement form to Fabuloso, including pictures of the UPC code and lot code. Reimbursements will take about 4 to 6 weeks, according to the company. Customers should dispose of Fabuloso bottles with household trash and should not empty the bottles prior to tossing them.
Pseudomonas Bacteria
Pseudomonas is a species of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the type that most often causes infections in humans, and people on ventilators, medical devices or with surgery wounds are at high risk, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The bacteria can spread to humans through soil or water, or through contact with contaminated hands or surfaces. Pseudomonas infections can be treated with antibiotics, though these bacteria species are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotic treatment, according to the CDC.
Tangent
Risk of Pseudomonas infection has been the cause of a number of recent cleaning and medical product recalls. Last week, Global Pharma recalled EzriCare Artificial Tears for links to at least 55 cases of a Pseudomonas outbreak, including one death. Clorox recalled 37 million bottles of its Pine-Sol cleaner in October after Pseudomonas bacteria were detected during a routine check, and The Laundress recalled 8 million cleaning products in December for potential bacterial infections.
Further Reading
About 5 million bottles of Fabuloso recalled because of bacterial contamination (CNN)
4.9 Million Fabuloso Bottles Recalled for Bacteria Risk (New York Times)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2023/02/09/what-to-do-if-you-have-recalled-fabuloso-products-and-how-to-get-reimbursed/