Clorox (CLX) agreed to pay a $14.15 million civil penalty after the company failed to immediately report a bacterial hazard in Pine-Sol scented multi-surface cleaning products, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.

Clorox did not promptly notify the commission after internal testing in early 2019 found bacterial contamination, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in storage tanks and finished products.

CPSC alleged the defect could have created a substantial product hazard or an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death.

The commission and the company jointly announced a recall of affected Pine-Sol products on Oct. 25, 2022, citing potential bacterial contamination.

Under the proposed settlement, Clorox will enhance internal controls and compliance procedures and submit an annual report on the effectiveness of its compliance program, internal controls and audits, the regulator said.

Price: 113.06, Change: +0.19, Percent Change: +0.17