Procter & Gamble has recalled millions of packets of popular laundry detergent pods due to faulty packaging that poses a risk of accidental ingestion by young children and potential facial injuries. The affected products include Tide, Gain Flings, Ace, and Ariel liquid laundry detergent pod packets, which were manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024 and sold in flexible film bags in the United States. The outer packaging designed to prevent access to the pods can split open near the zipper track, presenting a danger to children and other vulnerable populations if the contents are ingested.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that eating a large quantity of detergent can be fatal, especially for individuals with underlying health issues. The recalled products were sold at various retailers such as Big Lots, CVS, Family Dollar, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and Amazon, with prices ranging from $5 for one 12 ct. bag to $30 for four 39 ct. bags in a box. While there have been no confirmed cases of injury directly linked to the packaging defect, the CPSC has received reports of children accessing the liquid laundry packets, including cases of ingestion during the period when the recalled lots were on the market. However, it is uncertain if these incidents are related to the recalled bags.
Consumers are advised to check for recalled lot codes on the Procter & Gamble website and compare them to the codes at the bottom of their packages. If they have a recalled bag, they should immediately store it out of reach of children and contact the company for a refund and a free replacement child-resistant bag to store the product safely. Despite the lack of confirmed injuries from the packaging issue, the CPSC emphasizes the importance of taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of young children and other individuals who may come into contact with the detergent pods.
Ingesting laundry detergent packets can have serious consequences, including potential fatalities, particularly for individuals with preexisting health conditions. The CPSC highlights the importance of proper packaging to prevent accidental ingestion by children. The recalled packaging defect in the detergent pods poses a risk of splitting open near the zipper track, which could lead to severe injuries if the contents are ingested. By recalling the affected products and providing consumers with information on identifying the recalled lot codes, Procter & Gamble aims to address the safety concerns associated with the faulty packaging.
Retailers that sold the recalled detergent pods have been identified, and consumers are encouraged to check their packaging for the lot codes to determine if they have purchased an affected product. The CPSC acknowledges that while there have been reports of children accessing the liquid laundry packets during the period when the recalled lots were sold, the source of these incidents is unclear. By promptly addressing the packaging issue and offering refunds and replacement bags, Procter & Gamble aims to mitigate the risks associated with the faulty packaging and prioritize consumer safety.
