Fabuloso Recall 2023
Why Are Fabuloso Products Being Recalled?
On February 8, 2023, the CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) and Colgate-Palmolive announced the voluntary recall of around 4.9 million bottles of Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaners over the risk of bacterial growth. (1)(2)
The brand explains that an inadequate amount of preservative was added during manufacturing. (1)
The inadequate preservative amount can lead to the presence of Pseudomonas species (a type of bacteria) commonly present in the environment (e.g., water and soil). (1)(2)
Possible strains include the following: (1)(2)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Pseudomonas fluorescens
Bacteria can enter the body in different ways: (1)(2)
- Through a break in the skin
- Inhaled
- Through the eyes
People with healthy immune systems might unlikely be affected by the bacteria. (1)
However, exposure to the bacteria can cause serious infection risks that require medical treatment for those with: (1)(2)
- Weakened immune systems (or babies and young children with still-developing immune systems)
- Underlying lung conditions
- External medical devices
Which Fabuloso Products Are Included & How To Identify Them?
How Do You Tell Which Fabuloso Is Recalled?
The recall includes 4.9 million bottles manufactured in Colgate-Palmolive’s US facility from December 14, 2022, through January 23, 2023. These were distributed to wholesalers and retailers in the US and Canada. (1)(2)
Products made in Mexico or those distributed outside the US and Canada aren’t included in this voluntary recall. (1)
According to the recall advisory, the company immediately reached out to distributors after learning about the manufacturing issue. So, about 80% or 3.9 million recalled products have never been sold to consumers. (1)
These products were sold from December 2022 through January 2023 through online stores and websites or major retailers nationwide: (2)
- Walmart
- The Home Depot
- Dollar General
- Family Dollar
- Sam’s Club
- amazon.com
- Other retailers or websites
The recalled bottles have a manufacturing or lot code beginning with:
- 2348US78 through 2365US78
- 3001US78 through 3023US78
Products with lot codes that have an “MX” are not included in this recall. According to Colgate-Palmolive, they’re safe to use. (1)
The following are the affected products and their UPCs (universal product codes): (1)
Lavender Scent
- Fabuloso Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 16.9 oz + 30% free bonus pack (22 fl oz) – 035000995025
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (56 fl oz) – 035000530325
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (128 fl oz) – 035000530585
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (169 fl oz) – 035000531223
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner (210 fl oz) – 035000531230
- Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser (1 gal) – 035110043074
Refreshing Lemon Scent
- Fabuloso Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner (16.9 oz + 30% free bonus pack (22 fl oz) – 035000995018
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (33.8 fl oz) – 035000974716
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (56 fl oz) – 035000470416
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (128 fl oz) – 035000973542
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (169 fl oz) – 035000969873
Passion of Fruits Scent
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (33.8 fl oz) – 035000530981
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2x concentrated formula (56 fl oz) – 035000530301
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2x concentrated formula (128 fl oz) – 035000530608
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2x concentrated formula (169 fl oz) – 035000458162
Spring Fresh Scent
- Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner Bleach, 2x concentrated formula (56 fl oz) – 035000530998
Ocean Scent
- Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser (1 gal) – 035110043739
How To Find The UPC & Lot Codes For Identifying Affected Products
The UPC is printed below the barcode located at the back of the product label. (1)
The manufacturing lot code is etched on the plastic bottle located either below or above the back label (but not directly printed on the label). (1)
What To Do With The Recalled Fabuloso Products
Check the Fabuloso bottles you have at home for the UPC and manufacturing lot codes. If you have the recalled products, immediately stop using them. (2)
Take a photo of the affected Fabuloso bottles – make sure the lot code and UPC are visible.
Cover the bottles tightly and throw them in your household trash. Don’t empty the bottles before throwing them away. (1)
The company also requests that customers refrain from returning the recalled bottles to the store. (1)
How To Get A Refund
Contact Fabuloso through the Colgate-Palmolive Company of New York to get a full refund or replacement: (2)
- Toll-free phone: 855-703-0166 from Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
- Recall website: Fabulosorecall.com
- Primary website: Fabuloso.com, then click on the recall banner at the top of the homepage
- Form submission: colgatepalmolive.com/en-us/fabuloso_contact-us
How Long Do I Need To Wait For The Refund?
You can receive your refund or reimbursement within around 4-6 weeks after submitting your request. (1)
Is It Still Safe To Use The Recalled Fabuloso Products?
No injuries have been reported relating to this Fabuloso recall. (1)
However, because it’s impossible to tell bacterial growth by just looking, it’s best to stop using any of the recalled products. They can make you and your family sick. It’s best to discard the items and process your refund. (1)
What To Do If The Fabuloso Product Isn’t On The List
According to Colgate-Palmolive, Fabuloso products that aren’t on the list aren’t included in the recall. So they can be safe to use as intended. (1)
Colgate-Palmolive’s Statement
“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.” (1)
Fabuloso FAQs
What’s Fabuloso?
It’s a line of household cleaning products owned and manufactured by Colgate-Palmolive. (1)(2)
These products are designed for use on counters, toilets, cabinets, walls, floors, and nearly all kinds or types of hard surfaces in a home.
It’s among the most popular cleaning brands in the US.
Is Fabuloso A Safe Product?
Colgate-Palmolive assures consumers that its products are safe and live up to high-quality standards. (1)
The brand declares some of the chemicals used in each cleaning product on its website. (3)
However, the EWG (Environmental Working Group) gives a failing score of “F” to 24 of 26 Fabuloso products tested/studied. The other two have a “D” score. (4)
Here’s EWG’s rating guide: (5)
- “A” – low toxicity cleaner
- “C” – average cleaner that doesn’t pose overt health hazards and discloses some ingredients
- “F” – highly toxic cleaner and/or makes little to no disclosure of its ingredients
EWG lists the product ingredients that made the brand’s ratings fail in detailed explanations for each cleaning product. Some examples include: (4)
- Glutaral – high concern for acute aquatic toxicity and moderate concern for nervous system effects
- Fragrance – possible allergic reactions
- Sodium laureth sulfate – possible cancer risks, nervous system effects, and damage to vision
- Terpinyl acetate – reproductive and endocrine effects
Where Is The Fabuloso Manufactured?
The recalled Fabuloso products are manufactured in the US, but the brand also has a manufacturing facility in Mexico (not included in the recall). (2)
What Fabuloso Products Are Not Included In The Recall?
The following Fabuloso products aren’t included in the recall and can be used as intended: (1)(2)
- All Fabuloso Antibacterial multi-purpose cleaning products (all scents)
- Fabuloso 2x Citrus & Fruits with Baking Soda
- Fabuloso 2x Orange with Baking Soda
- Fabuloso 2x Tropical Spring
- Fabuloso Original Apple with Vinegar
Other Recent Baby Product Recalls & Safety Warnings
Check these comprehensive lists of product recalls by category:
- Stroller recalls (2020 to 2023)
- Recalled toys list (2020 to 2023)
- Baby formula recall (2001 to 2022)
- Baby food recall (2015 to 2022)
- Pacifier recall (2019 to 2022)
- Baby wipes recall (2014 to 2022)
Other individual product recalls:
- Avanos Ballard infant ventilator system recall (2023)
- Walker Edison bunk bed recall (2023)
- Sakar’s Tony Hawk helmet recall (2023)
- Kindred Bravely bamboo nursing hoodie recall (2023)
- Cybex recall (2023)
- Patagonia recall (2023)
- Safety 1st recall (2023)
- Maxi Cosi recall (2023)
- Lancaster high chair recall (2023)
- PJ Salvage pajamas (2023)
- Target blanket recall (2022)
- Crate & Barrel crib recall (2022)
- Laundress recall (2022)
- Bentex children’s clothing recall (2022)
- Otteroo infant flotation ring safety warning (2022)
- Green Sprouts sippy cup recall (2022)
- Parent’s Choice wipes removal from shelves (2022)
- Toddleroo cabinet latch recall (2022)
- 4moms Rockaroo recall (2022)
- NUK glass bottle recall (2022)
- BIBS bottle recall (2022)
- Winter Water Factory baby clothes recall (2022)
- Babyganics bubble bath product recall (2022)
- Frigg pacifier recall (2022)
- Maxi Cosi Pria 85 recall (2021)
References
(1) https://www.fabuloso.com/recall
(2) https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Colgate-Palmolive-Recalls-Fabuloso-Multi-Purpose-Cleaners-Due-to-Risk-of-Exposure-to-Bacteria
(3) https://www.fabuloso.com/faq
(4) https://www.ewg.org/guides/brand/6445-Fabuloso/
(5) https://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/faq/#q6
