Procter & Gamble has issued a recall of millions of laundry detergent pods due to faulty packaging that poses a risk of accidental ingestion by young children and potential facial injuries. The recall affects Tide, Gain Flings, Ace, and Ariel liquid laundry detergent pod packets manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024 sold in flexible film bags in the United States. The outer packaging of these pods can split open near the zipper track, putting children and other vulnerable populations at risk of serious injury if the contents are ingested. Skin or eye injuries are also a concern.
The CPSC has warned that consuming a large quantity of detergent can lead to death, especially for individuals with underlying health issues. The affected 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 a 12 ct. bag to $30 for four 39 ct. bags in a box. While there have been no confirmed cases of injury directly related to the packaging defect, the CPSC has received four reports of children accessing the liquid laundry packets, with three involving ingestion during the time of the recalled lots, though it is uncertain if they came from the recalled bags.
Consumers are urged to check for recalled lot codes on their packages at pg.com/bags and compare them to the codes provided on their product. If in possession of a recalled bag, it is recommended to immediately store it out of reach and sight of children. Consumers can contact Procter & Gamble for a refund and a replacement child-resistant bag to safely store the product. Taking these precautions can help prevent any accidental ingestion or injuries associated with the faulty packaging of the laundry detergent pods.
The risk of ingestion of the laundry detergent pods by young children and other vulnerable populations due to the faulty packaging is a serious concern. If not stored properly, the contents of these pods can lead to harmful consequences, including death in extreme cases, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions. The recall affects popular brands like Tide and Gain Flings, commonly used in households across the United States, and sold at major retailers at various price points.
While there have been no confirmed injuries directly linked to the packaging defect, reports of children accessing the liquid laundry packets have been received by the CPSC, heightening concerns about the safety of these products. Taking proactive measures such as checking for recalled lot codes, storing the pods securely out of reach, and seeking a refund and replacement from Procter & Gamble can help ensure the safety of consumers, particularly young children who may inadvertently come into contact with the detergent pods. By raising awareness about the recall and providing guidance on proper storage and handling of the products, the CPSC aims to prevent any potential accidents or injuries associated with the faulty packaging of the laundry detergent pods.
