Packaging changes for laundry detergent pods

Laundry detergent pods are convenient when it's time to wash your clothes, but there are safety concerns. Children can confuse the colorful pods with candy. Consumer Reports has partnered exclusively with 7 On Your Side to find out what safety measures detergent companies are taking.

When it comes to laundry detergents, Consumer Reports finds some do a much better job cleaning your clothes. But there's another consideration these days -- safety. Consumer Reports has been working to get detergent manufacturers to change some of their packaging.

Poison control centers have received more than 9,500 reports of children five-and-under coming in contact with or ingesting pods since early 2012.

Dr. Darshan Patel at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital has seen the problem firsthand.

"Kids are naturally drawn to them and when they get them, they're water-soluble. So as soon as they go into the mouth, they start to dissolve," said Dr. Patel.

Pods from Tide and Costco's Kirkland Signature are top performers in Consumer Reports' cleaning tests, but their candy-like packaging and easy access are a real concern.

"Procter and Gamble, maker of Tide Pods, told us they would help address the problem by phasing out this clear plastic container, hopefully by the end of year," said Dan Diclerico of Consumer Reports.

The new packaging will be in a container little ones can't see into. But Procter and Gamble says it has no plans to phase out Tide's easy-open pouch, which the company says some consumers prefer.

"We're concerned these appealing pods may still find their way into small children's hands," said Diclerico.

Then there's Costco's Kirkland Signature Ultra Clean Pacs that come in clear containers. They look a lot like those used for snack food and they're easy to open, too.

"Costco also told us they'll be introducing an opaque container in August, followed by a child-deterrent lid, but not until early next year. The bottom line here is it's really important to keep all detergent out of the reach of curious children," said Diclerico.

The new Tide Pods tub and Tide Pods resealable pouch packages will be opaque.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.

(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2011. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

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consumer reports, costco, 7 on your side, michael finney

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