Millions of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods liquid laundry detergent packets have been recalled, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
An estimated 8.2 million bags have been affected by the recall. The bags could split open near the zipper tracks, according to the CPSC. This can create a serious health risk, since small children have been known to consume the pods. And even if they’re not eaten, the packets could potentially cause eye and/or skin injuries.
How do you know if you’ve purchased the affected pods? The recall is for Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods that were packaged in film bags in quantities from 12 to 39. The pods were manufactured between September 2023 through February 2024.
The recalled detergent bags were sold at Amazon.com and other online retailers. The pods were also sold locations such as at Big Lots, Family Dollar, Home Depot, Target, Walmart, CVS, and other stores.
Procter & Gamble (the makers of the recalled products) have advised consumers affected by the recall to keep the bags away from young children. Customers can also request a full refund and replacement of the laundry detergent bags as well as a cabinet lock to secure the pods.
“Since it is not possible to close the product, we recommend transferring the product to a Tide PODS or Gain Flings tub with a Child Resistant Closure. If you do not have a Child Resistant Container, you may request one from our Consumer Care Team,” the company’s recall website states. “Please store the product up, closed and safe — away from children… Because the quality of our product is important to us, our team will provide you with a prepaid debit card for the value of your purchase price as well as a replacement bag and cabinet latch to keep your laundry products secure.”
Detergent pods have always been a topic that’s up for debate. On the one hand, they’re a timesaver, but with their colorful designs, they’ve also been a magnet for younger kids who have ingested them. Poison Centers have had 1,423 cases of children ages 5 and younger who have been exposed to laundry detergent pods since February 29, 2024, according to America’s Poison Centers.
Procter & Gamble stated that it has received reports of four children who had access to the laundry pods — three of the children had ingested the bags during the time in which the recalled bags were sold. However, it’s unknown if those laundry packets were the recalled bags, and the company has stated that they do not currently have any confirmed cases of issues resulting from the damaged packets.
When mountains of laundry are calling your name, you might not have the time (or patience) to measure out the right amount of detergent. And while pods have proven to be practical when it comes to getting your clothes clean, they’ve certainly had their share of controversy. (Procter & Gamble even launched a safety campaign on laundry detergent pods.) But like most things, precautions need to be in place so that your child can stay safe while lightening your load — of laundry, that is.