Clorox is recalling detergents that may contain bacteria

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — If you’re thinking of wiping down your kitchen with that bottle of Pine-Sol All-Purpose Cleaner under the sink — stop. It may contain bacteria that can cause serious illness in people with compromised immune systems.

Clorox, based in Oakland, Calif., said Tuesday it was recalling its scented multi-surface cleaners and all-purpose cleaners. The recall does not include its iconic pine-flavored Original Pine-Sol, which is its only product registered as a disinfectant.

The recalled products also include CloroxPro Pine-Sol Scented All-Purpose Cleaner and Clorox Professional Pine-Sol Lemon Fresh Cleaners, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a statement.

The products “may contain bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an environmental microorganism widely found in soil and water,” the commission said.

“The bacteria can enter the body by inhalation, through the eyes or through a break in the skin. People with healthy immune systems are usually not exposed to the bacteria,” the commission said.

Testing found the bacteria in the recalled products manufactured between January 2021 and September 2022, the commission said. It said consumers should take a picture of the 12-digit UPC code and date code, throw the product in the container in the trash and contact the company for a refund.