Bacterial risk: Colgate-Palmolive recalls 4.9M Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaners

09 Feb 2023 --- Colgate-Palmolive is voluntarily recalling some of its Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaners as the company did not add a preservative at the “intended” safe level during manufacturing. The mishap risks the bacterial growth of Pseudomonas species, which can cause “serious infections” in people with weakened immune systems.

The recall was conducted in collaboration with the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The 4.9 million bottles were produced from December 14, 2022, through to January 23, 2023. Additionally, 56,000 units have been recalled in Canada.

Approximately 3.9 million bottles (80%) were never released for sale, according to Colgate-Palmolive.

Potential health harms
Pseudomonas species, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens, are environmental organisms found in soil and water, shares CPSC.Consumers can contact the company for a refund or a free replacement (Image credit: CPSC). 

“People with weakened immune systems, external medical devices, or underlying lung conditions who are exposed to the bacteria face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment,” warns the commission. 

“The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes, or a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected by the bacteria,” the health authority explains.

Consumer protection
Shoppers who purchased the product can view a list of instructions on Colgate-Palmolive’s website to seek reimbursement.

CPSC urges consumers to immediately stop using the recalled products and recommends them to contact the company for a full refund or a free replacement.

Fabuloso Antibacterial multi-purpose cleaning products and select other variants of Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaning products are not included in the recall, clarifies Colgate-Palmolive. The Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner in lavender, lemon, passion of fruits, spring fresh and ocean scent are the ones being recalled.

“We greatly value the trust that our consumers and their families have in our Fabuloso products. We remain committed to maintaining the highest level of product quality and have taken action to help ensure we live up to those standards,” says the company. Fabuloso Antibacterial multi-purpose cleaning products and select variants of Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaning products are not included in the recall (Image credit: CPSC).

Recent recalls
Personal care companies have been recalling product units that may pose a health risk due to contamination of bacteria or chemicals.

Edgewell Personal Care recently modified the announcement to recall its Banana Boat hair and scalp sunscreen spray SPF 30 with an additional lot of products that are laced with benzene – a carcinogen. The voluntary nationwide recall follows the July 29 recall in 2022 and now includes three batches of the sunscreen.

Unilever-owned home care brand, The Laundress, previously published a safety notice to inform consumers to “immediately stop using” all its products due to the potential presence of elevated levels of bacteria, presenting a safety concern.

Also, units of Bed Head, Dove and Tresemmé dry shampoo aerosol products produced before October 2021 were recalled by Unilever Canada due to potentially elevated levels of harmful benzene. The company reported 1,574,426 units of the affected product were sold in Canada between January 2020 and October 2022.

By Venya Patel