Procter & Gamble issued a recall for approximately 8.2 million bags of Tide, Gain, Ace, and Ariel laundry detergent packets distributed in the United States. The outer packaging meant to prevent access to the contents can split open near the zipper track which can lead to accidental exposure and poisoning. Access can pose a risk of ingestion leading to serious injury or death as well as skin or eye injuries.
Voluntary safety standards for laundry detergent pods were introduced in 2015. Since then, the rate of exposures has decreased by about 30%, and the rate of cases needing medical treatment has decreased by about 40%. However, several studies have found that laundry detergent pod exposures are still more likely to cause symptoms, require medical attention, and have serious outcomes than exposures to traditional laundry products. Also, because the pods are often brightly colored and look fun to play with, they are appealing to young children who mouth things they want to explore. If you have children under six, consider avoiding the use of laundry packets and in all cases keep them locked and out of the reach of children.
This recall involves certain lot codes of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods liquid laundry detergent packets packaged in flexible film bags that were manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024. Consumers should check to see if their bag is part of the recall by checking the lot code on the bottom of the package against those listed at pg.com/bags. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled detergent packets and to contact Procter & Gamble for full refund and a free replacement child-resistant bag to store the product. P&G will also provide a cabinet lock to keep the product stored safely. Remember, all laundry packets should be stored out of reach of children in a safe location. To get notified of every children’s product recall, follow us @kidsindanger on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Tik Tok.
