BREAKING: 2025 Fabuloso Lawsuit Updates
April 2025 UPDATE: Following the final approval of the $2 million Fabuloso class action settlement in April 2024, payments to valid claimants were distributed on June 24, 2024. Additionally, in May and August 2024, the EPA ordered multiple grocery stores across Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska to stop selling illegally imported Fabuloso disinfectant products containing unauthorized ingredients that pose health risks to consumers.
Introduction
Fabuloso, one of the best-selling multi-purpose cleaners particularly popular in Hispanic communities, has faced significant legal challenges following bacterial contamination allegations that posed serious health risks to consumers. Since February 2023, when Colgate-Palmolive recalled nearly 5 million bottles of Fabuloso due to bacterial contamination, multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed, resulting in a $2 million settlement.
This comprehensive article examines the Fabuloso recall, the bacterial contamination risks, settlement details, and the latest regulatory actions by the EPA in 2024-2025. We’ll also cover the essential information attorneys and affected consumers need to know about the medical record review process for establishing claims related to this widespread product safety issue.
Understanding Fabuloso and Its Uses
What is Fabuloso?
Fabuloso is a popular multi-purpose cleaner used worldwide for its pleasant fragrance and versatility across multiple surfaces. It has been marketed as an all-purpose cleaner for homes, offices, and other settings for nearly three decades in North America.
Approved Uses
- Surface Cleaning: Fabuloso can be used to wash a number of surfaces including floors and countertops.
- Odor Elimination: Additionally, it is used to remove unpleasant odors from surfaces making them smell pleasant.
Which Fabuloso Products Were Recalled?
Here are the affected Fabuloso cleaner products and their UPC codes:
| Product Name | Size | UPC Code |
|---|---|---|
| Fabuloso Lavender | 56 oz | 035000976483 |
| Fabuloso Lemon | 128 oz | 035000985456 |
| Fabuloso Ocean Breeze | 210 oz | 035000985500 |
| Fabuloso Refreshing Breeze | 56 oz | 035000987925 |
| Fabuloso Tropical Spring | 128 oz | 035000988007 |
If you have one of these products, stop using it immediately and check the recall notice for refund or replacement options.
Allegations of Contamination
Overview of the Contamination Claims
Colgate-Palmolive recalled nearly 5 million bottles of Fabuloso in February 2023 due to bacterial contamination. The issue arose when certain batches were found to contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens, bacteria that can cause serious infections.
Why was Fabuloso Contaminated?
- The contamination was identified through routine quality control checks.
- The manufacturer failed to add a necessary preservative to prevent bacterial growth during the manufacturing process.
- Federal safety officials indicated that the products were distributed online and in stores nationwide by several major retailers including Amazon, Dollar General, Family Dollar, The Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Walmart, and others between December 2022 and January 2023.
Health Risks Associated with Contamination
What Are Pseudomonas Bacteria?
The bacteria found in Fabuloso, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is known to cause respiratory infections, skin infections, and even life-threatening bloodstream infections in people with weakened immune systems. These bacterial strains are particularly dangerous due to their antibiotic resistance and mutating capabilities, making infections difficult to treat.
Who Is at Risk?
- Individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, transplant recipients)
- People with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD
- Anyone with open wounds that may come in contact with contaminated surfaces
- People with cystic fibrosis, as Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a predominant cause of lung infections in this population
What Are the Health Risks Associated with the Contaminated Fabuloso Cleaners?
The bacteria found in Fabuloso products can cause serious infections, particularly for people with compromised immune systems. Here are some potential health risks:
1. Respiratory Infections
Inhaling or touching contaminated Fabuloso may cause lung infections, leading to symptoms like:
✔️ Persistent cough
✔️ Shortness of breath
✔️ Chest pain
2. Skin and Eye Irritations
Direct contact with the contaminated cleaner can lead to:
✔️ Rashes
✔️ Redness and swelling
✔️ Eye infections
3. Blood Infections (Sepsis)
In severe cases, Pseudomonas bacteria can enter the bloodstream, causing life-threatening sepsis, which requires immediate medical attention.
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa can result in UTIs, particularly in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
Important: Even if you are healthy, using contaminated Fabuloso on surfaces can spread bacteria to other areas of your home.
2024-2025 Legal Actions and Class Action Lawsuit: Fabuloso Lawsuits
Overview of Current Lawsuits
As of 2025, the Fabuloso lawsuit has reached a significant milestone with the $2 million settlement receiving final approval in April 2024. The settlement resolved claims that consumers:
- Paid premium prices for contaminated products
- Were exposed to harmful bacteria
- Were deceived about the safety of the products
The lead plaintiffs in the consolidated class actions were Elizabeth Dixon, Jeannie Patora, and Arnold Thomas, who alleged that Colgate-Palmolive improperly, deceptively, and misleadingly labeled and marketed the products to consumers by failing to disclose the presence of dangerous bacteria.
Recent Developments
Recent updates in the Fabuloso lawsuits include:
- Discussion on Settlements: This is concerning to the fact some of the cases are possibly going on trial while others are for the remaining in process of negotiation deals that involves settlements.
- Exposure Factors: Fabuloso has received more attention from the government departments which can hinder the ongoing and future cases.
The Role of Medical Record Review Services
Importance for Attorneys
Medical record review services are crucial in the litigation process for Fabuloso lawsuits. These services assist attorneys in several ways:
- Complete Record Examination: Medical record review services identify contamination through an analysis of the medical histomorphological treatments and outcomes in the patient’s records.
- Expert Witnesses Facilitation: They assist when lawyers prepare expert witnesses by summarizing specific medical information in a way that is easy to understand.
- Case Argumentation: Intermediate summaries and their analysis enable the attorneys to strengthen their cases based on factual evidence since they provide a medical evidence and legal interpretation.
How Medical Record Review Works
• Data Elements: Physicians compile all medical documents in the possession of a healthcare facility.
• Review Process: Medical records for Fabuloso lawsuits are accessed and reviewed by medical review litigation witnesses for pertinent details concerning the case.
• Summary Creation: Detailed and comprehensively produced document relativities have been created for timeframes, incident settings and possible relations injuries to Fabuloso.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: Infection Claim
Overview: A 50-year-old woman developed a severe infection after using Fabuloso to clean her home. She filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Challenges: The attorney faced difficulties in proving the direct link between Fabuloso and the infection, as the patient had a complex medical history.
Solutions: The attorney engaged a medical record review service to analyze the patient’s medical history and treatment records. The review identified patterns and timelines that supported the claim, demonstrating that the onset of the infection coincided with the use of Fabuloso.
Case Study 2: Respiratory Issues Allegation
Overview: A 65-year-old male blamed the respiratory problems he developed at home on the use of Fabuloso at his residence and subsequently sought help from a Product Liability case.
Challenges: The lawyer’s work required a lot of effort as he had to deal with numerous respiratory issues and vasculitis evidence related to the use of Fabuloso.
Solutions: Using a medical record review service, the lawyer managed to gather a detailed account of the patient’s medical history, treatment, and events leading up to the respiratory diagnosis. This account eased the preparation of the expert witnesses on the risks involved in using Fabuloso that were likely to be raised during litigation.
Compensation in the Fabuloso Lawsuit: What Can You Receive?
If the Fabuloso class-action lawsuit is successful, you may receive compensation for:
💰 Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, treatments, medications, and doctor visits.
💰 Lost Wages: Compensation for missing work due to illness.
💰 Pain and Suffering: Emotional and physical distress from the infection.
💰 Legal Fees: Some settlements include reimbursement for legal costs.
The settlement amount varies based on the severity of health complications and medical evidence.
Recent Updates on the Fabuloso Cleaner Lawsuit
As of 2024, the Fabuloso lawsuit is still progressing. Some recent developments include:
🔴 Colgate-Palmolive has agreed to a $2 million settlement for affected consumers.
🔴 The deadline to file a claim may be closing soon, so it’s essential to act quickly.
🔴 More victims are coming forward, increasing the chances of a higher settlement payout.
Conclusion
The Fabuloso lawsuit and its $2 million settlement represent a significant case in consumer product safety litigation. The 2023 recall and subsequent settlement highlight the importance of proper manufacturing processes and quality control in household cleaning products.
As of 2025, while the original bacterial contamination lawsuit has been settled with payments distributed to claimants, new concerns have emerged with the EPA’s actions against illegally imported Fabuloso products containing unauthorized ingredients. These developments underscore the ongoing need for vigilance regarding household chemical safety.
For consumers affected by contaminated Fabuloso products, medical record review services continue to play a crucial role in documenting and establishing the connection between exposure and health issues. Attorneys handling these cases should utilize these specialized services to strengthen their clients’ claims and ensure appropriate compensation.
FAQs
Is Fabuloso still safe to use?
Regular Fabuloso products that were not part of the 2023 recall are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, consumers should be aware of the EPA’s 2024 actions against illegally imported Fabuloso disinfectant products and check that their products are legitimate U.S.-approved versions.
How do I know if I purchased a recalled Fabuloso product?
Check the UPC code and lot code on your Fabuloso bottle against the recall list. The recalled products were manufactured between December 14, 2022, and January 23, 2023.
How do I get a refund for a recalled Fabuloso cleaner?
Visit the official recall website and follow the instructions to request a refund or replacement.
Can I sue if I got sick from using Fabuloso?
If you developed an infection linked to the contaminated Fabuloso cleaner, you may be eligible to join a class-action lawsuit.
What bacteria were found in Fabuloso?
The recall was due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens, both of which can cause infections in humans.
Are all Fabuloso products affected by the recall?
No, only certain batches and sizes were contaminated. Check the recall list for details.
What are the latest EPA actions regarding Fabuloso products?
In 2024, the EPA ordered multiple grocery stores and distributors across Kansas City, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska to stop selling illegally imported Fabuloso disinfectant products containing glutaraldehyde, an unauthorized ingredient that poses health risks to consumers.
To protect your rights, consult a legal expert if you believe you’ve been affected by contaminated or illegal Fabuloso products.
📢 Stay informed about product recalls and settlements by regularly checking official sources and signing up for consumer safety alerts. 📢
To protect your rights, act now and consult a legal expert.
🚨 Don’t wait! If you qualify for the lawsuit, file your claim before the deadline. 🚨IN TOUCH
