8.2 Million Bags of Tide and Gain Pods Recalled Over Child Safety

Detergent pods may be an easy and effective way to get your laundry done, but they can also pose a pretty big risk to little ones. The US Poison Control Center receives an average of one call every 44 minutes related to detergent pods. In light of this, detergent makers have instituted childproof measures to keep little ones from getting their hands on the colorful pods. But Procter & Gamble’s latest childproof zipper had proven faulty, forcing the company to recall more than 8.2 million of its popular Tide, Gain, Ace and Ariel laundry detergent packets. Here’s what you need to know about the recall.

Why has Procter & Gamble Recalled Tide, Gain and Other Detergent Pods?

Procter & Gamble has identified a defect in the childproofing measures. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 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.

Procter & 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. The firm cannot confirm the incidents are strictly related to the defective bags.

How do I know if my product is affected by the recall?

The recall affects certain bags of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods and Ariel Pods liquid laundry detergent manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024. Recalled items range from bags with 12 to 39 laundry detergent packets and include the following:

• Tide Simply Pods Plus Oxi Boost
• Tide Pods Clean Breeze Scent
• Tide Pods Free & Gentle
• Tide Pods Oxi
• Tide Pods Ultra Oxi
• Tide Pods Spring Meadow Scent
• Tide Pods Original
• Tide Pods Light
• Gain Flings Original
• Gain Flings Moonlight Breeze Scent
• Gain Flings Blissful Breeze Scent
• Gain Flings Spring Daydream Scent
• Gain Flings Plus Ultra Oxi
• Gain Flings Plus Odor Defense
• Ace Pods Clean Breeze
• Ace Pods Spring Meadow
• Ariel Pods Alpine Breeze

You can check to see if your bag is a part of the recall by looking at the lot number on the bottom of the bag and comparing it to those listed on PGGoodEveryday.com.

What should I do if my product is recalled?

Parents with affected items are advised to immediately move the pods to a secure location that is out of sight and out of reach of children. You can contact Procter & Gamble on their website for a full refund and a free replacement child-resistant bag to store the pods. Parents can also request a cabinet lock to secure laundry materials.

You can find more information about the recall and request a refund at Procter & Gamble’s recall FAQ page.

It’s important to remember that most poisonings can be prevented. Take simple steps to keep household hazards out of reach and stay up to date on the latest in baby proofing options to keep your child safe.