Procter & Gamble (P&G) is recalling about 8.2 million bags of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods laundry detergent packets in the U.S. (plus 56,741 in Canada).
The issue: the flexible film bags may split open near the zipper, making it easier for children or vulnerable individuals to access the detergent packets. Ingesting laundry packets can cause serious injury, including stomach or respiratory problems, skin or eye burns, and—if a large amount is swallowed—even death in individuals with underlying health issues.
Although no injuries have been confirmed directly from this packaging defect, P&G received four reports of children accessing packets during the period these recalled bags were sold, with three cases of ingestion reported.
Which Products Are Affected
The recall covers certain lot codes manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024. Affected products include bags containing 12–39 packets, sold under the following labels:
Tide Pods: Original, Clean Breeze, Free & Gentle, Oxi, Ultra Oxi, Spring Meadow, Light
Tide Simply Pods Plus Oxi Boost
Gain Flings: Original, Moonlight Breeze, Blissful Breeze, Spring Daydream, Plus Ultra Oxi, Plus Odor Defense
Ace Pods: Clean Breeze, Spring Meadow
Ariel Pods Alpine Breeze
You can check your lot code on the bottom of the bag (or box, for club packs).
What You Should Do
Immediately store recalled bags up high, out of sight and reach of children.
Transfer packets to a child-resistant tub (like a Tide PODS tub). If you don’t have one, you can request one free from P&G.
Contact Tide to receive:
A full refund (via prepaid debit card)
A free child-resistant replacement bag
A cabinet lock for securing laundry products
Key Dates or Safety Alerts
Recall date: April 5, 2024
Recall number: 24-189
Hazard level: Serious — ingestion can cause life-threatening effects
How to Request a Refund or Report the Issue
Phone: Call P&G toll-free at 1-833-347-5764 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM ET; Sat, 9 AM–5:30 PM ET)
Online: tide.com (submit product photo + lot code to verify eligibility)
Sold at: Big Lots, CVS, Family Dollar, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, Amazon, and more (Sept 2023–present)
