37 Million Bottles of Pine-Sol Scented Cleaners Recalled Due to Bacterial Contamination
Bacteria can be a threat to those with compromised immune systems
At least 37 million bottles of Pine-Sol liquid multisurface and other types of cleaners in a variety of fragrances have been recalled because they might contain a type of bacteria that can be especially hazardous to those with compromised immune systems. The recall notice, issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, advises consumers to stop using the cleaners and throw out the bottles.
Details of the Pine-Sol Scented Cleaner Recall
The recall: The recall includes 37 million bottles of Pine-Sol scented multisurface cleaners 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 Cleaner. Date codes on the bottles begin with the prefix “A4” and are followed by a five-digit number lower than 22249. The products are sold in bottles of 28, 48, 60, 100, 144, and 175 fluid ounces. Clorox is recalling all the products manufactured at its Forest Park, Ga., facility through September of this year.
The risk: The recalled products may contain bacteria, including pseudomonas aeruginosa, an environmental organism found widely in soil and water. People with weakened immune systems or who use external medical devices and who are exposed to this bacteria face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment. The bacteria can enter the body if inhaled, through the eyes, or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not affected.
Incidents: None reported.
How many: The company (Clorox) has identified bacteria in certain products produced between January 2021 and September 2022. Clorox produced approximately 37 million bottles of the various liquid cleaners in that period.
Where and when sold: The cleaners were sold online at Amazon.com and at other retailer websites, as well as in-store at BJ’s, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Home Depot, Kroger, Lowe’s, Publix, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and other major stores nationwide for between $2.50 and $12.50 per bottle.
The remedy: Consumers should stop using all the Pine-Sol varieties mentioned above that have date codes beginning with “A4” followed by a five-digit number lower than 22249. To collect a refund, take a photo of the 12-digit UPC code and the date code on the label, dispose of the bottle, and contact Pine-Sol for a full refund of the purchase price (with receipt) or the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (without a receipt).
Contact information: Call Pine-Sol at 855-378-4982, email the company at [email protected], or go to pinesolrecall.com or pinesol.com and click on "Recall Information."
Report a hazardous product: Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 or go to SaferProducts.gov.
