MCCAA warns public about dangers of detergent capsules to children

The MCCAA has issued a statement about the risks posed by laundry detergent capsules to children and toddlers

Laundry detergent capsules can easily be mistaken for sweets by children
Laundry detergent capsules can easily be mistaken for sweets by children

The Technical Regulations Division within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has issued a statement to bring to the attention of the general public the risks posed by laundry detergent capsules (or packets) which are presently becoming more frequent in households worldwide.

“These products can be attractive to children and can pose serious dangers if not handled and stored safely,” the statement reads.

The MCCAA warned that laundry detergent liquid capsules/packets contain concentrated detergent for single use.

“The content, protected by a membrane, is released once it comes in contact with moisture during a wash,” it explained.

The report read that since laundry detergent liquid capsules/packets were small, tactile and often colourful, they were often attractive to children, especially toddlers, who might be tempted to put them in their mouths or play with them.

“A laundry liquid capsule can burst in a child's hand, especially when it is wet or moist. It can also rapidly dissolve with moisture and may burst in a child's mouth in as little as ten seconds, causing severe adverse health effects,” the MCCAA warned.

The statement continued to explain that one shoukd ensure to store these products high up, out of reach and out of sight of children.

“If stored in lower accessible cabinets/cupboards, these should be secured with child resistant locks. Additionally, the capsules/packets must be kept in their original container, fully closed between uses,” the statement reads.

The MCCAA recommended that consumers read the labels on the packaging before using this product carefully.

“Moreover, adults must not use the capsules/packets while children are close by and must not allow or invite children to manipulate them. Laundry detergent capsules must never be pierced or left outside their container,” it recommended adding that capsules or packets ought to be stored in a container with the lid closed properly after every use.

“In case that a child puts such capsules/packets in the mouth, one must rinse the child’s face and mouth thoroughly,” the statement reads.  

It added that parents and child carers should not induce vomiting in such cases and that if a child has capsule liquid close to their eyes or on their hands, these body parts must be rinsed carefully with plenty of water.

The statement warns that a doctor should be called or that the child should be taken to the medical emergency department in such cases.