The Fabuloso lawsuit involved one of the largest household cleaning product recalls in recent U.S. history, after Colgate-Palmolive discovered that nearly 5 million bottles of its popular Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaner were contaminated with dangerous bacteria. Colgate-Palmolive settled three related class action lawsuits for approximately $1.9 million, providing refunds to consumers who purchased recalled products between December 14, 2022, and November 14, 2023. The class action settlement claim deadline of March 13, 2024 has now passed and payments were distributed on June 24, 2024 — but personal injury claims for people who actually got sick may still be available.
Quick Answer: The Fabuloso class action settlement resolved claims that Colgate-Palmolive sold cleaning products contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria without warning consumers of the risk. The $1.9 million settlement fund provided refunds worth the retail price of up to 5 products (with proof of purchase) or up to 2 products (without proof). The class action claim deadline has passed. However, if you suffered a Pseudomonas infection or other health injury from using recalled Fabuloso products, personal injury attorneys are still accepting cases. Additionally, the EPA took separate enforcement actions in 2024 against illegally imported Fabuloso disinfectants containing unauthorized chemicals.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what happened, who was affected, what the settlement paid, what the EPA found in 2024–2025, and what your legal options are if you got sick. Liletta IUD Lawsuit 2026
What Is the Fabuloso Lawsuit About?
Background of the Lawsuit
Fabuloso is one of the best-selling household multi-purpose cleaners in the United States, especially popular in Hispanic communities. It’s made by a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, and sold at major retailers including Walmart, Amazon, Target, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Sam’s Club, and Home Depot.
The trouble began during manufacturing. According to court documents and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), certain Fabuloso products produced between December 14, 2022 and January 23, 2023 were manufactured with inadequate levels of a preservative that normally prevents bacterial growth. Without enough preservative, the products became a breeding ground for dangerous bacteria — specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens. When Colgate-Palmolive discovered the contamination, it issued a massive voluntary recall on February 8, 2023, covering approximately 4.9 million bottles sold across the country.
The core legal claim was straightforward: Colgate-Palmolive continued selling and marketing these products without telling people they could contain life-threatening bacteria. Plaintiffs argued the company failed to adequately test products before distribution, failed to disclose contamination risks on the label, and deceived consumers who paid for a cleaning product that was not safe to use.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| December 14, 2022 | Contaminated products enter market | Fabuloso products with insufficient preservative begin reaching store shelves |
| January 23, 2023 | Manufacturing of recalled products ends | Final production date for contaminated lot codes |
| February 8, 2023 | CPSC Recall announced | Colgate-Palmolive recalls ~4.9 million bottles; CPSC Recall No. 23-115 |
| February 10, 2023 | First class action lawsuit filed | Elizabeth Dixon files in W.D. North Carolina, Case No. 7:23-cv-01118 |
| February 2023 | Additional lawsuits filed | Jeannie Patora and Kathy Dorsey file separate class actions |
| November 14, 2023 | Class period ends | Settlement covers purchases through this date |
| November 14, 2023 | Settlement agreement announced | Three class actions consolidated; $1.9 million settlement reached |
| Late 2023 | Preliminary court approval | Judge Vincent L. Briccetti gives initial approval; certifies class |
| March 13, 2024 | Claim filing deadline | Last day to file class action settlement claims |
| April 25, 2024 | Final approval hearing | Court grants final approval of $1.9 million settlement |
| April–May 2024 | EPA stop-sale orders (Kansas City) | EPA and state agencies order 17 KC-area grocery stores to stop selling illegal imported Fabuloso |
| June 24, 2024 | Settlement payments distributed | Valid claimants receive refunds |
| August 8, 2024 | EPA stop-sale orders (regional distributors) | EPA Region 7 orders three distributors in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska to stop selling illegal Fabuloso products |
Who Filed the Lawsuit?
Three separate class action lawsuits were filed and later consolidated into one proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, overseen by Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.
The lead plaintiffs were Elizabeth Dixon, Jeannie Patora, Kathy Dorsey, and Arnold Thomas — everyday consumers who purchased the recalled Fabuloso products and argued they were never warned about the contamination risk. The defendant was Colgate-Palmolive Co., the parent company of the Fabuloso brand.
The plaintiffs were represented by The Sultzer Law Group and Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC, both firms with significant experience in consumer class action litigation.
What Are the Allegations?
The core argument across all three lawsuits was that Colgate-Palmolive put its product label — and its profits — ahead of consumer safety. Specifically, the plaintiffs alleged:
- Failure to warn: Colgate-Palmolive did not disclose on product packaging that Fabuloso could be contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria capable of causing life-threatening infections.
- Inadequate testing: The company failed to adequately test products for bacterial contamination before they reached store shelves and consumers’ homes.
- Deceptive marketing: Fabuloso was marketed as an effective cleaning product when contaminated batches actually harbored dangerous pathogens.
- Breach of implied warranty: Consumers reasonably expected a cleaning product to be safe to use — not to carry health risks of its own.
- Unjust enrichment: Colgate-Palmolive collected full retail prices for products that were defective and unsafe, which plaintiffs argued amounted to financial harm regardless of whether consumers became ill.
Colgate-Palmolive denied all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the costs and risks of a trial.
Who Qualified for the Fabuloso Lawsuit Settlement?
Quick Answer: You qualified if you purchased specific Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaning products in the United States between December 14, 2022 and November 14, 2023. No proof of purchase was required to file a basic claim, though having receipts or packaging allowed you to claim refunds for more products. The claim deadline of March 13, 2024 has passed.
Eligibility Requirements
The class was defined broadly, covering anyone in the United States who purchased Fabuloso “Class Products” during the class period for personal use — not for resale or distribution. Mirena Lawsuit
| Requirement | Details | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. purchaser | Must have purchased in the United States | N/A |
| Purchase window | Between December 14, 2022 and November 14, 2023 | Receipt, bank statement, or sworn statement |
| Qualifying product | One of the specific Fabuloso varieties and lot codes covered | Lot code from bottle or packaging |
| Personal use | Purchased for personal use, not commercial resale | Sworn declaration on claim form |
| Timely claim | Filed by March 13, 2024 | Claim form submitted online or by mail |
A critical point: even if you no longer had your receipt or the product packaging, you could still file a claim. Without proof of purchase, you were eligible to claim the equivalent retail value of up to 2 Fabuloso products. With proof of purchase, you could claim for up to 5 products.
Eligible Products and Lot Codes
| Product Type | Varieties Covered | Lot Codes | Sizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabuloso Original Multi-Purpose Cleaner | Lavender (Original and 2X), Refreshing Lemon, Passion of Fruits, Spring Fresh, Ocean | 2348US78–2365US78 and 3001US78–3023US78 | 16.9 oz, 22 oz, 33.8 oz, 56 oz, 128 oz, 169 oz |
| Fabuloso Concentrated | Various scents | Same lot code ranges | Multiple sizes |
| Fabuloso Bleach Alternative | Various scents | Same lot code ranges | Multiple sizes |
| Fabuloso Professional | Multi-purpose cleaning and degreasing | Same lot code ranges | Commercial sizes |
Note: The recall did NOT include Fabuloso Antibacterial varieties. Those products have a different formulation and were not part of the recall or the class action.
Who Did NOT Qualify?
Several groups were excluded from the class action settlement:
- People who bought Fabuloso products outside the December 14, 2022 – November 14, 2023 window
- Purchasers of Fabuloso Antibacterial varieties (those were not recalled)
- Anyone who opted out of the settlement by the opt-out deadline to pursue their own lawsuit
- Colgate-Palmolive employees, officers, directors, and their immediate family members
- Anyone who purchased Fabuloso for commercial resale or distribution purposes
- The judge and court staff overseeing the case
If you experienced actual health injuries — a Pseudomonas infection, respiratory illness, or other documented medical harm — the class action settlement explicitly did not release personal injury claims. You may still have options for individual litigation.
How to Prove a Remaining Personal Injury Claim
For consumers who actually became ill and are pursuing individual personal injury claims, the documentation picture is different:
| Document Type | Why It’s Needed | Where to Find It | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof of purchase | Establishes you bought the recalled product | Receipts, bank/credit card statements, Amazon order history | Retailer loyalty card records |
| Product lot code | Confirms the specific contaminated batch | On bottle label or packaging photo | Affidavit describing purchase |
| Medical records | Links illness to Pseudomonas exposure | Your doctor, hospital, or urgent care | Contact provider for records request |
| Doctor’s diagnosis | Confirms Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection | Medical records from treating physician | Lab test results identifying bacteria |
| Timeline documentation | Establishes sequence (exposure → illness) | Personal records, journal entries | Witness statements |
How Much Money Did the Settlement Pay?
Quick Answer: The total settlement fund was $1.9 million. Individual payouts depended on whether you had proof of purchase. With proof, you could claim the full retail value of up to 5 bottles (typically $1–$11 each). Without proof, you could claim for up to 2 bottles. Payments were distributed on June 24, 2024.
Settlement Fund Breakdown
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Settlement Fund | $1,900,000 | Total amount Colgate-Palmolive agreed to pay |
| Attorney Fees & Costs | Portion of fund | Approved by court as reasonable |
| Administration Costs | Portion of fund | Claims processing, notices, website |
| Net Available to Claimants | Remaining balance | Split proportionally among valid claims |
The actual per-claim payout depended on the total number of valid claims submitted. If more people filed than anticipated, each payout was adjusted downward proportionally — a common feature of class action settlements.
Payout Structure
| Claim Type | Products Covered | Estimated Value | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| With proof of purchase | Up to 5 recalled products | Full retail price each (~$1–$11/bottle) | Receipts, bank statements, packaging |
| Without proof of purchase | Up to 2 recalled products | Average retail price each | Sworn declaration only |
| Potentially Affected Products | Same varieties, purchased in window but outside specific lot codes | Lower priority payout | Documentation of purchase |
Fabuloso bottles sold for roughly $1 to $11 each, depending on size, so the maximum claim value for a consumer with five products and receipts was around $55 before any pro-rata adjustment.
Factors That Affected Your Payout
The final payment amount each claimant received was not fixed at announcement. Several factors influenced it:
- Number of valid claims filed — the more claims submitted, the more the fund was divided, potentially reducing per-claim amounts
- Whether you had proof of purchase — claimants with receipts or digital purchase records could claim for more products
- Which products you claimed — retail prices varied by bottle size and type
- Pro-rata adjustment — if claims exceeded the fund, all payments were reduced proportionally
When Did Payments Go Out?
| Stage | Date/Timeframe | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Claim submission deadline | March 13, 2024 | Last day to file settlement claims |
| Final approval hearing | April 25, 2024 | Court granted final approval |
| Payment distribution | June 24, 2024 | Checks and payments sent to valid claimants |
If you submitted a valid, timely claim and did not receive your payment, contact the settlement administrator at 1-833-366-4387 or visit CleaningProductRecallSettlement.com.
The Class Action Settlement: Current Status
Settlement Is Fully Resolved (as of 2026)
The class action portion of the Fabuloso lawsuit is completely closed. Here’s where things stand:
- Preliminary approval: Granted by Judge Briccetti
- Claim deadline: March 13, 2024 — passed
- Final approval: April 25, 2024 — granted
- Payments distributed: June 24, 2024
- Class action status: Settled and closed
If you missed the March 13, 2024 deadline to file a class action claim, you cannot receive payment from the settlement fund. Courts do not typically grant exceptions for late filings in class action settlements. However, this does not mean you’re out of options entirely — see the personal injury section below.
What Comes After the Class Action?
The class action resolved “economic harm” claims — meaning the cost of buying a contaminated product you couldn’t safely use. But the settlement agreement explicitly preserved personal injury and bodily injury claims for anyone who actually got sick.
Multiple law firms continue to accept Fabuloso personal injury cases as of 2026, particularly for consumers who were diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections after using the recalled products. These are individual lawsuits separate from the class action, and their timelines depend on state-specific statutes of limitations. Byte Aligners Lawsuit: 2026 Complete Guide
EPA Enforcement Actions: The 2024 Illegal Fabuloso Problem
Beyond the class action, a separate and ongoing issue emerged in 2024: illegally imported Fabuloso disinfectant products were found being sold in stores serving Hispanic communities across the Midwest.
What the EPA Found
In April 2024, the Kansas and Missouri Departments of Agriculture, working with the EPA, ordered 17 Kansas City-area grocery stores to stop selling certain Fabuloso household disinfectant products. Then in August 2024, the EPA Region 7 issued additional stop-sale orders against three regional distributors — Estancia La Bodega Inc. (St. Louis, MO), Pan-Y-Mas (Kansas City, KS), and Promex Ltd. (Omaha, NE).
The problem: these Fabuloso disinfectant products were imported from Mexico and not registered with the EPA as required under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Even more concerning, they contained glutaraldehyde — an active ingredient not approved for this use in the U.S. — and posed potential health risks to consumers.
How to Tell If Your Fabuloso Disinfectant Is Legal
| Check This | What to Look For | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| EPA registration number | Unique number on label (e.g., EPA Reg. No. XXXXX-XX) | Legal product registered for U.S. sale |
| Language on label | English = U.S. version; Spanish-only = possible illegal import | Spanish-only labels were associated with illegal products |
| “Not approved for sale in U.S.” | Any language indicating non-U.S. compliance | Dispose immediately via waste provider |
| Disinfectant claims | “Antibacterial,” “antiviral,” “disinfects” claims require EPA registration | Regular Fabuloso (no such claims) is not regulated the same way |
Regular Fabuloso products that do not make disinfectant or antibacterial claims are not regulated under FIFRA and are generally considered safe when used as directed.
Personal Injury Claims: Your Options in 2026
If you or a family member developed a Pseudomonas infection or other documented health condition after using recalled Fabuloso products, you may still have legal options beyond the class action.
Who May Still Have a Personal Injury Claim
You may have grounds for an individual lawsuit if:
- You used one of the recalled Fabuloso products (lot codes 2348US78–2365US78 or 3001US78–3023US78)
- You or a family member was diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa or another bacterial infection
- You are in a high-risk category: immunocompromised, cancer patient, cystic fibrosis, external medical devices, underlying lung conditions
- Your illness required medical treatment, hospitalization, or IV antibiotics
- You can establish a timeline connecting your Fabuloso use to the onset of your illness
What Damages You Could Recover
In a successful individual personal injury lawsuit, you could potentially recover:
- Medical expenses — hospital bills, doctor visits, antibiotic treatments, ongoing care
- Lost wages — income you missed during illness and recovery
- Pain and suffering — compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- Punitive damages — if the court finds Colgate-Palmolive’s conduct was grossly negligent
- Wrongful death damages — for families of those who died from related infections
Why Personal Injury Claims Are Separate from the Class Action
The class action settlement explicitly stated it did not release personal injury or bodily injury claims. This was a deliberate carve-out by plaintiffs’ attorneys who recognized that consumers who actually became sick deserved individual compensation beyond a small product refund.
For people who got seriously ill — especially those who needed hospitalization or IV antibiotics — a personal injury claim may be worth far more than the few dollars available in the class action.
How to Find Legal Help
Personal injury attorneys handling Fabuloso cases typically offer free consultations and work on contingency — meaning you pay nothing unless you win.
Law firms currently accepting Fabuloso injury cases include:
- Schmidt & Clark, LLP — schmidtandclark.com
- The Schmidt Firm, PLLC — (866) 920-0753
You can also contact admin@bestlawyersinunitedstates.com for attorney referrals, or search the National Trial Lawyers Association directory for product liability attorneys in your state.
Fabuloso Lawsuit vs. Similar Cases: How It Compares
Comparison with Similar Product Contamination Lawsuits
| Lawsuit | Company | Settlement Amount | Key Issue | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabuloso Bacterial Contamination | Colgate-Palmolive | $1.9 million | Pseudomonas bacteria in cleaning product | Settled; payments distributed June 2024 |
| Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder | J&J | $8.9 billion (global) | Talc contamination / asbestos exposure | Ongoing |
| Lysol / RB (similar recall class actions) | Reckitt Benckiser | Varies | Antibacterial claims/labeling | Various stages |
| EzriCare Artificial Tears | Global Pharma | Pending | Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination | Ongoing |
| WaterWipes Class Action | WaterWipes | Settled | False biodegradable advertising | Settled |
What Made the Fabuloso Lawsuit Unique
A few things set the Fabuloso case apart from other consumer product lawsuits:
The bacteria involved was particularly serious. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for being highly antibiotic-resistant. Severe infections can require weeks of IV antibiotics and, in vulnerable patients, can progress to sepsis and organ failure. This made the health stakes unusually high for what was ostensibly a cleaning product lawsuit.
The target population was especially vulnerable. Fabuloso is disproportionately popular in Hispanic households, and the illegal imported products found in 2024 were specifically being sold in stores serving Hispanic communities. The consumer protection concern had a clear equity dimension.
Separate legal tracks remain open. Unlike many class actions that completely extinguish claims, this settlement preserved individual injury lawsuits. People with actual health harm have legal pathways beyond the settled class.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Quick Answer: For the class action settlement — which is now closed — you did not need a lawyer. But if you’re pursuing a personal injury claim because you actually got sick from contaminated Fabuloso, having an experienced product liability attorney is strongly recommended.
Filing the Class Action (Historical — Now Closed)
The class action was designed for self-filing. The settlement website, CleaningProductRecallSettlement.com, walked claimants through a simple online form. No legal training was required, and most people could complete it in under 10 minutes.
When You Should Talk to a Lawyer Now
If any of these apply to you, contact an attorney before taking any action:
- You or a family member developed a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection after using recalled Fabuloso
- Your illness required hospitalization or IV antibiotic treatment
- You are immunocompromised, have a serious underlying illness, or use external medical devices
- A family member died from an infection that may be linked to Fabuloso exposure
- You purchased illegally imported Fabuloso disinfectant with glutaraldehyde and experienced health issues
The statute of limitations on personal injury claims varies by state, typically ranging from 2–4 years from the date of injury. The recall happened in February 2023, so time may be running out depending on your state. Don’t wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fabuloso lawsuit?
Quick Answer: The Fabuloso lawsuit is a class action legal case filed against Colgate-Palmolive after the company recalled nearly 4.9 million bottles of Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaner due to bacterial contamination.
Colgate-Palmolive discovered that certain Fabuloso products manufactured between December 14, 2022 and January 23, 2023 contained insufficient preservative levels, which allowed Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria to grow inside the bottles. Three class action lawsuits were filed shortly after the February 2023 recall announcement. All three were consolidated and settled for $1.9 million in 2024.
Is the Fabuloso class action still accepting claims?
Quick Answer: No. The class action claim deadline was March 13, 2024, and payments were distributed on June 24, 2024. The settlement is closed.
If you missed the deadline, you cannot receive a payment from the settlement fund. However, if you suffered a health injury from using recalled Fabuloso products, you may still have grounds for an individual personal injury lawsuit depending on your state’s statute of limitations.
Who was eligible for the settlement?
Quick Answer: Anyone who purchased qualifying Fabuloso products in the U.S. between December 14, 2022 and November 14, 2023 for personal use.
The settlement covered buyers of Fabuloso original, concentrated, and bleach-alternative multi-purpose cleaners, as well as professional cleaning and degreasing solutions with the qualifying lot codes (2348US78–2365US78 or 3001US78–3023US78). Fabuloso Antibacterial varieties were not included.
How much money did settlement claimants receive?
Quick Answer: Payouts reflected the retail price of up to 5 products (with proof of purchase) or up to 2 products (without proof), at roughly $1–$11 per bottle.
The total fund was $1.9 million divided among valid claimants. The exact per-claim amount was subject to a pro-rata reduction if the total number of claims exceeded the fund’s capacity.
What bacteria was in the recalled Fabuloso?
Quick Answer: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens — bacteria found in soil and water that can cause serious infections in vulnerable people.
These bacteria are particularly dangerous because Pseudomonas aeruginosa is extensively antibiotic-resistant, making infections difficult to treat. Vulnerable groups include people with weakened immune systems, cancer, cystic fibrosis, burns, external medical devices, or underlying lung conditions. The bacteria can enter the body through the nose, eyes, or breaks in the skin. For healthy adults, exposure typically doesn’t cause illness — but for high-risk individuals, the consequences can be life-threatening.
What were the recalled Fabuloso lot codes?
Quick Answer: Lot codes 2348US78 through 2365US78 and 3001US78 through 3023US78 were covered by the recall.
You could find the lot code printed on the bottom or side of your Fabuloso bottle. If your bottle’s lot code fell within these ranges, it was part of the recalled batch. If you’re unsure, the original recall notice at CPSC.gov (Recall No. 23-115) includes a complete product list with UPC codes.
What products were recalled?
Quick Answer: The recall covered Fabuloso original, concentrated, bleach-alternative, and professional multi-purpose cleaners in various scents and sizes, produced between December 14, 2022 and January 23, 2023.
Affected scents included Lavender (Original and 2X), Refreshing Lemon, Passion of Fruits, Spring Fresh, and Ocean. Sizes ranged from 16.9 fl oz to 169 fl oz. Fabuloso Antibacterial products were not recalled.
Can I still sue Colgate-Palmolive for getting sick from Fabuloso?
Quick Answer: Possibly yes — if you have a documented health injury. The class action settlement preserved personal injury claims and did not extinguish them.
The class action only covered “economic harm” — the cost of buying a contaminated product. If you or a family member developed a Pseudomonas infection or other illness traceable to the recalled products, you may have grounds for an individual personal injury lawsuit. Contact a product liability attorney for a free case evaluation. Time limits apply, so act soon.
What symptoms are associated with Pseudomonas exposure from Fabuloso?
Quick Answer: Symptoms include respiratory problems, skin irritation, eye infections, and in serious cases, invasive bacterial infections requiring hospitalization.
Reported adverse health effects from contaminated Fabuloso exposure include difficulty breathing and coughing, skin rashes and burning sensations, eye infections, allergic reactions, and severe systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. If you used recalled Fabuloso and experienced any of these symptoms — particularly if you’re in a high-risk group — talk to your doctor and document everything.
What is the illegal Fabuloso issue the EPA found in 2024?
Quick Answer: The EPA found that some Fabuloso disinfectant products being sold in Midwestern grocery stores were illegally imported from Mexico and contained glutaraldehyde, an ingredient not approved for this use in the U.S.
In April and August 2024, the EPA and state agriculture departments ordered grocery stores and regional distributors to stop selling these products. The illegal products were identifiable by Spanish-only labels and the absence of an EPA registration number. Regular Fabuloso (non-disinfectant versions) was not affected. If you purchased a Fabuloso product labeled as a disinfectant, antibacterial, or antiviral, check for an EPA registration number on the label.
Is Fabuloso safe to use now in 2026?
Quick Answer: Standard Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaners that were not part of the 2023 recall are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, check any disinfectant Fabuloso for an EPA registration number.
The 2023 recall was a manufacturing defect limited to specific lot codes produced over a 40-day window. Production resumed with corrected formulations and enhanced quality control. For disinfectant Fabuloso products, verify the EPA registration number is printed on the label before use.
Did Colgate-Palmolive admit wrongdoing?
Quick Answer: No. Colgate-Palmolive denied all allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and uncertainty of a trial.
This is standard in class action settlements. The settlement agreement included a “no admission” clause, meaning Colgate-Palmolive resolved the claims without conceding any fault. The company did, however, issue a voluntary recall and agreed to implement a corrective action plan with the CPSC to minimize the risk of future contamination.
What was the case number for the Fabuloso lawsuit?
Quick Answer: The consolidated case is Jeannie Patora, et al. v. Colgate-Palmolive Co., Case No. 7:23-cv-01118, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Three separate lawsuits (Patora Action, Dixon Action, and Dorsey Action) were consolidated before Judge Vincent L. Briccetti. The settlement website was CleaningProductRecallSettlement.com.
Where were the recalled Fabuloso products sold?
Quick Answer: Recalled products were sold at major retailers nationwide, including Walmart, Amazon, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Target, among others.
The products were sold from December 2022 through approximately March 2023 when the recall was initiated. If you shopped at any of these retailers and purchased Fabuloso during that window, you may have purchased a recalled product.
What if I threw away my Fabuloso before checking the lot code?
Quick Answer: For the class action settlement (now closed), you could have filed without proof of purchase using a sworn declaration. For a personal injury claim, you’ll want to document everything you do remember.
For any ongoing personal injury claim, write down everything you remember: what scent you bought, where you bought it, approximate date, how much you paid, and when you started using it. This kind of personal account, combined with medical records, can help build your case even without the bottle.
What should I do if I think I got sick from Fabuloso?
Quick Answer: Seek medical attention immediately, save all documentation, and contact a personal injury attorney for a free consultation.
Step one is your health — see a doctor if you haven’t already, and specifically ask about testing for Pseudomonas aeruginosa if that hasn’t been done. Save all medical records, bills, and related documentation. Then contact a product liability attorney who handles contaminated product cases. Most offer free consultations and work on contingency, so there’s no upfront cost to explore your options.
Will I owe taxes on a Fabuloso settlement payment?
Quick Answer: Refunds for product purchases are generally not considered taxable income, but your personal situation may vary.
If you received a class action payment representing the retail cost of a product refund, this is typically treated as a return of purchase price rather than income. However, if you received compensation for pain and suffering or other damages in a personal injury case, tax treatment can differ. Consult a tax professional if you received a significant payment.
How do I contact the settlement administrator?
Quick Answer: The Fabuloso settlement administrator can be reached at 1-833-366-4387 or through CleaningProductRecallSettlement.com.
The mailing address for the settlement administrator is: Fabuloso Settlement, c/o Class Administrator, 1650 Arch St, Ste 2210, Philadelphia, PA 19103. If you filed a claim before March 13, 2024, and believe you should have received payment but didn’t, reach out to the administrator with your confirmation number.
Are there ongoing lawsuits related to Fabuloso?
Quick Answer: Yes — individual personal injury lawsuits for people who got sick from the recalled products are still being accepted by attorneys as of 2026, and the EPA’s 2024 actions against illegal imported Fabuloso products may prompt additional legal action.
The class action is closed, but the personal injury track remains open depending on each individual’s state statute of limitations. Additionally, regulators continue to monitor illegal Fabuloso imports, and further enforcement actions or lawsuits related to those products are possible.
A Note on Consumer Safety Going Forward
The Fabuloso recall is a good reminder to check product recall notices regularly. You can sign up for automatic recall alerts from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at CPSC.gov, where you can search by product category or company name. The FDA maintains a separate recall database for food and drug products.
For household cleaning products that make disinfectant claims — meaning they say they kill viruses, bacteria, or germs — always look for the EPA registration number. This small detail tells you the product has been reviewed and approved for safe use in the U.S. Products without that number, no matter how familiar the brand name looks, may contain unauthorized ingredients.
Fabuloso’s situation — where a well-known brand was mimicked in illegal imports — is not unique. If you purchase cleaning products from smaller grocery stores or import shops, it’s worth a quick check of the label.
