Proctor & Gamble is recalling 8.2 million bag packages of Tide Pods, as well as some Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods. The products may be defective due to a weakness in the plastic, causing them to come open and allowing access to the pods themselves.
The household giant said in a notice posted on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) website that the bags containing the individual pods could split open near their zipper tracks and could be harmful if ingested.
The statement on the CPSC reads: “The outer packaging meant to prevent access to the contents can split open near the zipper track, posing a risk of serious injury to children and other vulnerable populations if the contents of the laundry detergent packets are ingested, as well as posing a risk of skin or eye injuries. Ingestion of a large quantity of any surfactant-containing household cleaning products can cause death among individuals with underlying health issues.”
There have yet to be any direct cases caused by the packaging defect; however, Proctor & Gamble has received four reports of children in the United States accessing the liquid laundry packets, three of which reported ingestion during the time period that the recalled lots were sold.
Proctor & Gamble says customers should return the pods for a full refund and replacement. Those with recalled bags can also submit a photo that shows the lot code to be part of the recall.
For more information on how to refund or replace affected packages, click here.