CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced January 27 that The Clorox Company has agreed to pay a $14.15 million civil penalty.
The settlement resolves charges that the Oakland-based company knowingly failed to report defects in its Pine-Sol products that posed a serious risk of injury or death to consumers.
In early 2019, Clorox microbiologists documented bacterial contamination in storage tanks and finished products, describing it as “possibly a Pseudomonad.”
Pseudomonas is a bacterium commonly found in the environment, especially water, soil, and produce. It can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.
Clorox received reports of product cloudiness at certain retail stores, including a distributor report indicating cloudy products had been distributed to multiple locations.
It took steps to limit bacterial contamination but failed to promptly report it to the Commission.
CPSC acting chairman Peter A. Feldman emphasized that prompt reporting of safety risks saves lives.
“This proposed settlement sends a clear message: firms that delay reporting serious hazards do so at their own risk,” Feldman said.
A recall was issued on October 25, 2022
The Commission and Clorox jointly announced a recall of Pine-Sol scented cleaning products on October 25, 2022.
The recall stated that the products may contain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and that people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who are exposed face a risk of serious infection that may require medical treatment.
Along with a $14.15 million penalty, Clorox must maintain internal controls and enhance procedures to comply with the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Clorox will also submit an annual report on its compliance program, internal controls, and the effectiveness of its policies and training.
The Commission has provisionally accepted the settlement agreement, subject to public comment.
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