Los Angeles, California – Across the United States this week, several products have been recalled due to potential risks to consumers. These included laundry detergent packets that posed a danger to children, garment steamers causing burns, and citronella candles that could break and burn people. The rise in product recalls across various industries has been highlighted in a recent report by Sedgwick, indicating a concerning trend.
One of the major recalls this week involved millions of Tide Pods, Gain Flings, Ace Pods, and Ariel Pods liquid laundry detergent packets. Federal regulators raised concerns about the packaging, which could split open, potentially leading to ingestion by children or causing skin and eye injuries. The recall affected approximately 8.2 million products manufactured between September and February and sold at various retailers nationwide.
Another significant recall was related to Black + Decker garment steamers, with about 1.6 million units of the Model HGS011 Easy Garment Steamers being recalled. The steamers were found to pose a burn hazard due to the potential for hot water to spray or leak during use, resulting in reported injuries, including second-degree burns. Recalled units had been sold at popular stores both in-person and online between June 2021 and February 2024.
Additionally, over 270,000 adult portable bed rails were recalled following reports of entrapment and asphyxia hazards. The recall came after two additional deaths were reported subsequent to an earlier recall in December 2021. The bed rails, initially recalled in 2021, were found to pose a serious entrapment risk, leading to tragic outcomes. These products were sold at medical supply stores nationwide and online over a significant period.
Walmart also issued a recall for over 50,000 Mainstays Electric Mini Choppers due to a slicing hazard. Several individuals had suffered injuries, with at least two needing stitches, after incidents involving the chopper’s blade activating unexpectedly. The choppers had been available nationwide online and in stores, emphasizing the importance of product safety in everyday household items.
In another recall, BJ’s Wholesale Club recalled approximately 90,000 Berkley Jensen Citronella 72-inch Tiki Torches after reports of the torch tops breaking open or falling off while lit. This defect led to burn injuries in two individuals, prompting the need for a product recall. Consumers who had purchased these candles were advised to stop using them and seek refunds as a precautionary measure.