Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
Back to profile3 entries
2021
Reckitt Benckiser settles EPA claims over rodenticide labeling
Settlement
EPA Region 2 announced a settlement with Reckitt Benckiser over alleged violations involving sales and distributions of two rodenticide products whose packaging made comparative effectiveness claims. Reckitt Benckiser agreed to pay a $458,000 civil penalty to resolve the violations.
Source excerpt
The specific alleged violations relate to 239 sales and distributions of two rodenticide products in the United States that EPA asserts had misleading advertising claims on the packaging. Reckitt Benckiser has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $458,000 under the settlement to resolve these violations.
On October 7, 2021, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2 announced a settlement with Reckitt Benckiser, LLC (Reckitt Benckiser) regarding alleged violations under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
2016
Oxy humidifier disinfectant crisis in South Korea
Reckitt Benckiser Korea faced severe criticism, investigation, and compensation demands concerning Oxy Ssak Ssak humidifier disinfectant, which contained PHMG. South Korean authorities linked PHMG exposure from humidifier disinfectants to serious lung injury and deaths. Reckitt's Korean chief apologized publicly in 2016 and offered compensation to affected families. The episode became one of the most serious product-safety and corporate-reputation crises in the company's history.
2009
Cleaning-product ingredient disclosure litigation
Earthjustice sued Reckitt and other manufacturers in New York seeking disclosure of product ingredients and related safety studies. The case was ultimately unsuccessful, while subsequent advocacy contributed to later state-level ingredient-disclosure requirements.