The Technical Regulations Division within the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) is advising the general public of the risks posed by laundry detergent capsules (or packets) which are present in growing numbers in households worldwide.

These products can be attractive to children and can pose serious dangers if not handled and stored safely.

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.

Laundry detergent liquid capsules/packets are small, tactile and often colourful, which makes them attractive to children, especially toddlers, who might be tempted to put them in the mouth 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.

One must 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 MCCAA recommends that consumers read carefully the labels on the packaging before using this product. 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. These capsules or packets must 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. In such cases, parents and child carers should not induce vomiting and if a child has capsule liquid close to eyes or on the hands, these body parts must be rinsed carefully with plenty of water. In such cases one must call a doctor or go to the medical emergency department.

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