Consumer goods manufacturing company Procter & Gamble (P&G) has initiated a recall of 8.2 million laundry pod bags in the US, citing a packaging flaw that could potentially harm children.  

The recall encompasses various products, including Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods, which were sold in flexible film bags with defective packaging. 

The affected laundry detergent packets, ranging from 12 to 39 per bag, were manufactured between September 2023 and February 2024.  

These products were available at Big Lots, CVS, Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Target, Walmart, and other stores across the nation, as well as online at Amazon and other websites from September 2023 through to present. 

According to P&G, the outer packaging, designed to be child-resistant, can split open near the zipper track, leading to a risk of ingestion and poses risk of skin or eye injuries. 

While there have been no confirmed incidents or injuries directly linked to the defect, P&G has received reports of children accessing the packets, with three cases of ingestion during the sale period of the recalled lots.  

However, it is unclear if these packets were from the recalled bags. 

In addition, the company is providing cabinet locks to help secure laundry materials.  

The company also called for consumers to immediately secure the recalled bags out of sight and reach of children. 

The recall is limited to bags distributed in the US, and consumers with recalled products can participate in the recall by submitting a photo of the product showing the lot code. 

P&G is offering full refunds and free replacement child-resistant bags to consumers who have purchased the affected products.