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The Fabuloso lawsuit involves legal claims against Colgate-Palmolive after 4.9 million bottles of cleaner were recalled in 2023 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial contamination. While a $2 million class-action settlement provided consumer refunds, individuals who suffered severe infections are filing separate personal injury lawsuits to recover medical expenses and damages.
What is the Fabuloso lawsuit?
The Fabuloso lawsuit involves legal actions against Colgate-Palmolive after a 2023 recall of 4.9 million bottles of multi-purpose cleaner. The products were contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. While a $2 million class-action settlement refunded consumers, separate personal injury lawsuits compensate individuals who suffered severe bacterial infections.
Why was Fabuloso taken off the market?
Fabuloso was taken off the market in February 2023 because a manufacturing error resulted in inadequate preservative levels in the cleaner. This defect allowed dangerous Pseudomonas species bacteria to grow inside the bottles, posing a severe infection risk to consumers, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
The 2023 CPSC Recall Details
On February 8, 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of approximately 4.9 million bottles of Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner. Colgate-Palmolive discovered that the affected batches lacked the intended levels of a preservative, creating an environment where harmful bacteria could flourish. Consumers were instructed to immediately stop using the product, take photos of the UPC and manufacturing codes, and dispose of the cleaner in its original container.
Understanding Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacteria
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an environmental bacterium commonly found in soil and water. While healthy individuals rarely get sick from it, the bacteria can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening infections in vulnerable populations. The bacteria can enter the body through inhalation, the eyes, or breaks in the skin. Once inside, it is notoriously difficult to treat due to its high resistance to many standard antibiotics.
List of Recalled Fabuloso Scents and Products
The recall impacted products manufactured between December 14, 2022, and January 23, 2023. The affected scents included:
- Lavender Scent: Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner, 2X Concentrated, and Professional variants.
- Refreshing Lemon Scent: Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner and 2X Concentrated variants.
- Passion of Fruits Scent: Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner and 2X Concentrated variants.
- Spring Fresh Scent: Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
- Ocean Scent: Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner.
Class Action Settlement vs. Personal Injury Claims
It is crucial to understand the difference between the consumer class action settlement and individual personal injury lawsuits.
| Claim Type | Purpose | Compensation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class Action | Refund for buying a defective product | Purchase price (approx. $5 – $10) | Closed (Settled for $2M in 2024) |
| Personal Injury | Compensation for physical harm and medical bills | Medical costs, lost wages, pain & suffering | Active and ongoing |
The $2 Million Consumer Refund Settlement (Closed)
Following the recall, a consumer class action lawsuit was filed alleging false advertising and deceptive marketing. In April 2024, a judge granted final approval for a $2 million settlement. This fund was strictly designed to reimburse consumers for the cost of the recalled bottles. The deadline to file a claim for a refund has passed.
Fabuloso Infection Lawsuits (Personal Injury)
If you actually contracted a bacterial infection after using the recalled Fabuloso, the class action refund does not cover your damages. Personal injury lawsuits are actively being filed by individuals who required hospitalization, suffered respiratory distress, or sustained other severe health complications due to Pseudomonas exposure. These claims seek substantial compensation for medical expenses and ongoing suffering.
Symptoms and Risks of Fabuloso Bacterial Exposure
Who is at the highest risk?
While anyone can be exposed, the risk of a severe Pseudomonas infection is significantly higher for:
- Individuals with weakened immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, organ transplant recipients).
- People with underlying lung conditions, particularly cystic fibrosis or COPD.
- Individuals with external medical devices, such as catheters or ventilators.
- Those with open wounds or severe burns.
Common signs of a Pseudomonas infection
Symptoms vary depending on how the bacteria entered the body. Watch for:
- Respiratory: Persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or pneumonia-like symptoms (if inhaled).
- Skin: Red, pus-filled rashes, worsening of existing wounds, or unexpected skin infections.
- Eyes: Pain, redness, swelling, or impaired vision.
- Systemic: High fever, chills, and severe fatigue indicating the infection may have entered the bloodstream.
Is Fabuloso cleaner safe to use?
Generally, Fabuloso cleaner is safe to use as long as your bottle was not part of the 2023 recall. Colgate-Palmolive corrected the manufacturing defect that caused the bacterial contamination. Always check the manufacturing codes on older bottles before use, and follow the safety instructions printed on the product label.
Is Fabuloso safe to use now in 2026?
Yes, Fabuloso is safe to use now in 2026. The contaminated batches manufactured between December 2022 and January 2023 were removed from store shelves years ago. Current products contain the correct levels of preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, making newly purchased Fabuloso safe for standard household cleaning tasks.
Do You Qualify for a Fabuloso Infection Lawsuit?
Criteria for filing a personal injury claim
To qualify for a personal injury lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive, you generally must meet the following criteria:
- You purchased or were exposed to one of the recalled Fabuloso products.
- You were officially diagnosed with a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection (or a related bacterial infection) by a medical professional.
- The infection occurred shortly after using the recalled product.
- You suffered measurable damages, such as hospital bills, lost income, or severe physical pain.
Evidence needed to prove your case
Success in a product liability lawsuit relies heavily on evidence. You should preserve:
- Medical Records: Lab tests confirming the specific bacterial strain and treatment records.
- Proof of Purchase: Receipts, bank statements, or online order confirmations.
- Product Evidence: Photos of the Fabuloso bottle, specifically showing the UPC code and the 12-digit manufacturing lot code (do not empty the bottle if you still have it, but keep it sealed and away from use).
How to contact our product liability lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered a severe infection after using recalled Fabuloso, you deserve more than a five-dollar refund. Our product liability attorneys at Nguyen Injury Law are evaluating Fabuloso infection claims nationwide. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review to discuss your legal options and pursue the compensation you need to recover.