KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) – Proctor & Gamble has recalled 8.2 million defective bags of various laundry detergent packets, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Tide, Gain, Ace and Ariel laundry detergent packets distributed in the United States are being recalled due to the risk of serious injury.
The outside packaging meant to prevent access to the contents can split open near the zipper track, posing a risk of serious injury to children, according to the CPSC.
If the contents of the laundry detergent packets are ingested, it poses a risk of skin or eye injuries.
The following items are among the bags with 12 to 39 laundry detergent packets that are being recalled:
| Gain Flings Original | Tide Simply Pods Plus Oxi Boost |
| Gain Flings Moonlight Breeze Scent | Tide Pods Clean Breeze Scent |
| Gain Flings Blissful Breeze Scent | Tide Pods Free & Gentle |
| Gain Flings Spring Daydream Scent | Tide Pods Oxi |
| Gain Flings Plus Ultra Oxi | Tide Pods Ultra Oxi |
| Gain Flings Plus Odor Defense | Ace Pods Clean Breeze |
| Tide Pods Original | Ace Pods Spring Meadow |
| Tide Pods Spring Meadow Scent | Ariel Pods Alpine Breeze |
| Tide Pods Light |
Consumers should immediately secure the recalled bags out of sight and reach of children and contact P&G for a full refund and a free replacement child-resistant bag to store the product.
Health risks tied to the ingestion of liquid laundry detergent has been well-documented — notably in light of the social media-fueled “Tide Pod challenge” that skyrocketed several years ago. Eating the detergents’ chemicals can cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver and kidney damage, and even death.
Beyond online trends, experts warn that children are especially vulnerable to accidentally ingesting liquid laundry packets, as they may confuse the products with candy — urging consumers to always store them safely.
Procter & Gamble toll-free is 833-347-5764 from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. CT to 5 p.m. CT, Saturday, 8 a.m. CT to 4:30 p.m. CT, or online at pg.com/bags.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.