Nationwide Recall of Heritage Store Mouthwash Due to Poisoning Risk

In a significant move to protect children from potential poisoning risks, a nationwide recall has been issued for a specific brand of mouthwash in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) made an announcement recently, on February 29, indicating that the Heritage Store Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash poses a danger due to its non-compliant packaging. The product’s packaging lacks the necessary child-resistant features, which are a legal requirement for products containing certain ethanol concentrations.

The CPSC has stressed the importance of immediate action from consumers. It's strongly recommended that anyone in possession of this mouthwash store it securely out of the reach and sight of children. As a measure to rectify the situation, Nutraceutical Corporation, the Utah-based company responsible for manufacturing the mouthwash, is actively reaching out to all known purchasers. The company is providing options for both refunds and replacements to those affected.

The recall encompasses two particular flavors of the mouthwash – eucalyptus mint and wintermint. These variants are packaged in distinctive brown bottles topped with a white lid and bear the Heritage Store brand. The label, colored in shades of pink and white, clearly displays the company logo, the specific product name, and the flavor. It has been confirmed that all bottles across these flavors are subject to the recall.

Availability of this mouthwash spanned several platforms, ranging from physical retailers such as Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Mom’s Organic Market, New Season’s Market, and Mother’s Market & Kitchen, to prominent online portals like Amazon, iHerb, and the brand's own HeritageStore.com. The recall spans purchases made from October 2010 through to December 2023, amounting to an estimated 102,100 bottles of mouthwash.

Importantly, the CPSC has not reported any injuries associated with the use of the recalled mouthwash. However, given the product contains a concentration of ethanol that requires child-resistance in its packaging, the precautionary recall aims to mitigate any risks of potential poisoning.

Ethanol poisoning is a serious concern, especially for children, who are more susceptible to its toxic effects due to their smaller body weight. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, and slowed breathing, which necessitate immediate medical attention. It is this risk that underpins the importance of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, mandating child-resistant packaging for products with a certain ethanol concentration.

Consumers who have questions about the recall, might suspect poisoning, or require emergency assistance, are advised to promptly contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Additionally, valuable resources and information can be found at Poison.org.

Ensuring the safety of children is paramount, and this recall serves as a reminder of the critical need for compliance with safety regulations. As the situation unfolds, the CPSC, alongside Nutraceutical Corporation, remains committed to safeguarding consumers and preventing any incidents of poisoning.