37M Clorox Products Recalled Over Bacteria Concerns: What NJ Should Know

NEW JERSEY — Clorox recalled 37 million cleaning products because they may contain bacteria that leaves people with weakened immune systems as risk of serious illness. The recall primarily impacts cleaners under the Pine-Sol brand, which the Clorox Company makes.

According to the recall, which was issued Tuesday, the impacted products "may contain" bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The environmental organism is widely found in soil and water. But people with weakened immune systems or external medical devices who get exposed to the bacteria risk serious infection and may require medical treatment.

The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, a break in the skin or inhalation. The organism usually doesn't impact people with healthy immune systems.

Testing has identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa in certain recalled products, including those produced between January 2021 and last September. Clorox produced about 37 million recalled products during that period.

No injuries or incidents have been reported, according to the recall notice.

The recall impacts the following products: Pine-Sol® Scented Multi-Surface 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 Cleaners. Original Pine-Sol® (Pine scent) is not included in the recall.

The impacted products have date codes beginning with the prefix “A4” and the first five digits numbered less than 22249. The products are sold in bottles of 28, 48, 60, 100, 144 and 175 fluid ounces. Clorox manufactured the products at its Forest Park, Georgia, facility.

Consumers should immediately stop using the products. If you bought an impacted product, take pictures of the 12-digit UPC code and the date code, and dispose of the product in its container with household trash. Then contact Pine-Sol for a full refund on the purchase price, with receipt, or of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, without receipt.