Patrick McGrath has filed a class action complaint against S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc., alleging deceptive marketing practices related to their "FAMILY GUARD" brand disinfectant products. The complaint was filed on May 23, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
The lawsuit claims that S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. misled consumers by labeling their disinfectant cleaner and spray products as "EXPERTLY FORMULATED FOR USE IN HOMES WITH CHILDREN AND PETS" and safe for use on surfaces where kids and pets play. According to McGrath, these claims are false because the products contain harmful chemicals such as Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (ADBAC), which are known to be dangerous to both children and pets. The plaintiff asserts that these chemicals can cause respiratory issues, developmental problems, and other health risks.
McGrath purchased the disinfectant cleaner products from Amazon in 2024 and believed them to be safe based on the product labeling. He contends that had he known about the harmful ingredients, he would not have bought the products or would have paid less for them. The lawsuit seeks to enjoin S.C. Johnson from continuing its allegedly deceptive marketing practices and aims to recover compensation for all affected consumers.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief including restitution, disgorgement of profits obtained through deceptive practices, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney's fees and costs. They also request an injunction to prevent further misleading advertising by S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
The case is being handled by attorneys Matthew T. Peterson of Consumer Law Advocate PLLC and Jack Fitzgerald and Melanie Monroe of Fitzgerald Monroe Flynn PC.