Mouthwash Recalled for Poisoning Risk for Children

Recalls can be scary. That's especially true when the item part of the recall could pose a threat to little ones. Now, there's a nationwide recall of a particular brand of mouthwash because of a possible poisoning risk for children.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall on Thursday (Feb. 29).

Heritage Store Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash is being recalled because of a lack of child-resistant packaging that's necessary for products with a certain concentration of ethanol. According to the CPSC, anyone who has purchased this mouthwash should immediately put it out of the reach and sight of children. Also, the mouthwash's manufacturer, Nutraceutical Corporation, is contacting all customers they know of and giving them refunds or replacements. Eucalyptus mint and wintermint are the flavors that are part of the recall. They're sold in brown bottles with a white lid. All of the bottles are part of the recall.

So, where would you have purchased this mouthwash? Some select stores. The mouthwash has been available in stores such as Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, Mom’s Organic Market, New Season’s Market and Mother's Market & Kitchen. Customers were also able to purchase the mouthwash online via Amazon, iHerb and HeritageStore.com from October 2010 to December 2023. A lot of mouthwash is part of the recall, too. In total, 102,100 bottles of mouthwash are part of the recall. The good news is that so far, nobody has reported injuries or illnesses related to the mouthwash.

The move is in accordance with the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, which mandates that products that have a specific concentration of ethanol have child-resistant packaging. Ethanol poisoning can cause "mental confusion, difficulty remaining conscious, vomiting, seizures, trouble breathing, slow heart rate, clammy skin, dulled responses (such as no gag reflex, which prevents choking), and extremely low body temperature," according to Niaaa.nih.gov. If you have questions about the recall or need emergency help, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or visit Poison.org.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

Therefore, when encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.