Defective packaging: Procter & Gamble recalls 8.2 million bags of laundry detergent

More than 8 million cases of Tide PODS and Gain laundry detergent are at risk of a recall in Canada and the United States due to defects in the safe packaging of the products.

Packaging of recalled products may be affected by a manufacturing defect. According to a Procter & Gamble (P&G) press release shared on Friday, this packaging restricts access to detergent capsules for children and others who may ingest them.

According to Health Canada experts, ingesting laundry detergent can cause nausea, vomiting, coughing, suffocation, breathing problems and abdominal pain. Contact with skin or eyes may also cause rash, skin irritation, and eye irritation. As of April 2, 2024, the company has received no reports of accidents or injuries in Canada.

The strong resemblance to candy found in Tide PODS detergent pouches may encourage children to eat them, according to Health Canada experts. The events of the “Tide Pods Challenge” in 2018, a social media-supported challenge to eat Tide Pods, led to the deaths of eight people, including two children. This tragedy clearly illustrates the risks associated with detergent consumption.

The affected products, under the Tide, Gain, Ace and Ariel brands, were sold from September 2023 to February 2024.

What do you do with these products?

P&G recommends placing the product out of the sight and reach of children and contacting them as soon as possible. Affected consumers will receive a gift card, a cabinet lock and an empty replacement bag to hold the detergent capsules, which are not defective. You can contact Procter & Gamble by telephone at 1-833-347-5764, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (ET), Saturday, or Online at tide.ca/bags or ilovegain.com/bags (English) and at tide.ca/sacs or jadoregain.ca/sacs (French)

Below is a list of products canceled due to this recall:

– Gain moonlight breeze. Bag of 16 capsules

– Tide Buds 3 in 1 Clean Breeze; Bag of 31 capsules

– Tide Buds 3 in 1, Spring Meadow; Bag of 31 capsules

– Tide 4 in 1 pods with Ultra Oxi; Bag of 15 capsules

– Tide Simply Pods Oxy Boost+ Superior Stain Removal, Fresh Breeze; Bag of 13 capsules