Clorox to Pay $14 Million for Delayed Reporting of Potential Bacterial Contamination Risk
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has settled a case against The Clorox Company, requiring the manufacturer to pay a $14.15 million civil penalty after failing to immediately report a potential bacterial contamination risk in its Pine-Sol scented multi-surface cleaners.
According to the CPSC, Clorox microbiologists first flagged the issue as early as 2019, documenting contamination in storage tanks and finished product that they described as "possibly a Pseudomonad." However, despite receiving internal warnings, the company did not promptly report the issue to the Commission. The agency alleges that Clorox knowingly failed to immediately report the defect, which posed an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
The CPSC states that prompt reporting of safety risks saves lives, and the settlement sends a clear message to companies that delay reporting hazards. The agency's Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman emphasized that "companies must take their reporting obligations seriously."
Clorox disputed the agency's allegations, stating that it is firmly committed to product safety and takes its reporting obligations seriously. However, the company agreed to enter into this agreement related to its 2022 voluntary recall of Pine-Sol scented cleaners, allowing it to remain focused on serving consumers without the distraction of protracted legal proceedings.
The settlement requires Clorox to strengthen its internal compliance controls, including enhanced procedures to ensure adherence to the Consumer Product Safety Act. The company must also file annual reports outlining the effectiveness of its compliance program, internal controls, audits, and staff training.
The $14.15 million penalty is a significant fine for Clorox, and the settlement underscores the importance of prompt reporting of safety risks by companies like Clorox. The CPSC's enforcement action was represented by Mark S. Raffman, senior trial attorney in the Division of Enforcement and Litigation.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has settled a case against The Clorox Company, requiring the manufacturer to pay a $14.15 million civil penalty after failing to immediately report a potential bacterial contamination risk in its Pine-Sol scented multi-surface cleaners.
According to the CPSC, Clorox microbiologists first flagged the issue as early as 2019, documenting contamination in storage tanks and finished product that they described as "possibly a Pseudomonad." However, despite receiving internal warnings, the company did not promptly report the issue to the Commission. The agency alleges that Clorox knowingly failed to immediately report the defect, which posed an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.
The CPSC states that prompt reporting of safety risks saves lives, and the settlement sends a clear message to companies that delay reporting hazards. The agency's Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman emphasized that "companies must take their reporting obligations seriously."
Clorox disputed the agency's allegations, stating that it is firmly committed to product safety and takes its reporting obligations seriously. However, the company agreed to enter into this agreement related to its 2022 voluntary recall of Pine-Sol scented cleaners, allowing it to remain focused on serving consumers without the distraction of protracted legal proceedings.
The settlement requires Clorox to strengthen its internal compliance controls, including enhanced procedures to ensure adherence to the Consumer Product Safety Act. The company must also file annual reports outlining the effectiveness of its compliance program, internal controls, audits, and staff training.
The $14.15 million penalty is a significant fine for Clorox, and the settlement underscores the importance of prompt reporting of safety risks by companies like Clorox. The CPSC's enforcement action was represented by Mark S. Raffman, senior trial attorney in the Division of Enforcement and Litigation.
I'm so glad this is happening - companies gotta step up their game when it comes to keeping us safe! $14 million might seem like a lot, but think about all the lives that could've been at risk if Clorox didn't report those contamination issues ASAP 
. It's not just about the money, though - it's about setting an example and making sure other companies know they gotta take their reporting obligations seriously too 
. I hope this settlement will encourage more companies to prioritize consumer safety over profits 
. Kudos to the CPSC for taking action and holding Clorox accountable! 
. The CPSC is just trying to send a message that companies gotta be more proactive with safety reports 
. But $14 million feels like a lot for one mistake 
$14 million is a small price to pay for putting people's lives at risk tho 
gotta give it to the cpsc for keeping companies like clorox in check 
i'm all about transparency and accountability when it comes to product safety, and this settlement sends a clear message that delaying reporting of potential hazards is NOT okay 
hope they take this as an opportunity to revamp their internal controls and get their act together ASAP 
I mean come on $14 million is a lot for one mistake right? 
? They'd be worried sick about their family getting sick from it! 
. It just seems kinda harsh, you know? 
... I mean, can't these companies just be on it? They gotta wait till some lab tech says somethin' is off before they report it to the authorities? I remember when I was a kid, we didn't have all these fancy safety protocols and regulations. We just figured things out as we went along. Now it's all about liability and fines... 
. Companies gotta take their reporting obligations seriously, for real.
. They need to understand that delay is not an option when it comes to reporting safety risks 
It's just common sense, right? I guess companies think they're above the law or something. Anyway, glad the CPSC is keeping them in check and making sure people stay safe. 
because people use their products on themselves or around kids and pets! It's crazy they didn't report this bacterial contamination risk ASAP 
. Now the CPSC is all about making companies prioritize reporting hazards 
?
I'm literally shaking right now 
makes me soooo disappointed 
Anyway, at least they're taking responsibility for their actions 
. I mean, think about it, if Clorox had taken immediate action to report this issue, thousands of people might not have been exposed to a potential bacterial contamination risk 
. The fact that they delayed reporting puts profits over people and that's just unacceptable 
.
. You got companies like Clorox who are making millions and can't even be bothered to report safety risks in a timely manner, meanwhile the government is just sitting on its hands and letting it happen 
. It's time for real change here - stronger enforcement and stricter regulations that prioritize public safety over corporate interests 
. I mean, $14 million is a drop in the ocean compared to what Clorox has made from selling those contaminated cleaners 
.
And I'm all for that! Companies should be held accountable for putting people's lives at risk. It's not just about the money, it's about keeping us safe #SafetyFirst #NoExcuses
. It's like they were unknowingly playing Russian roulette with their health. This whole situation just makes me think about how important it is to take responsibility and own up to our mistakes. Clorox should be commended for being transparent now, but also taught a valuable lesson that delayed reporting can have severe consequences 
. Anyway, at least the CPSC is doing its job and making sure these companies don't get away with putting us in harm's way 
i mean, who wants to take the risk of poisoning themselves or their loved ones? not me 
anyway, this settlement should be a wake-up call for companies like clorox to make sure they're taking their reporting obligations seriously from now on