Scope Mouthwash Recall: Child-resistant Caps Defective

About 35,000 bottles of Scope Original Mint Mouthwash by Procter and Gamble have been recalled due to defective child-resistant caps.

The Scope mouthwash recall was announced on June 25 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) after it was discovered that the child-resistant caps were malfunctioning and could be removed simply by being twisted off. No injuries or illnesses have been reported in connection to the defective caps.

Scope contains ethyl alcohol, which should have either a child-resistant cap or a statement indicating “This Package for Households Without Young Children” due to requirements by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act.

The recall affects bottles of Scope Original Mint Mouthwash in the 1-liter size. The recalled bottles will have the number 4 on the bottom of the bottle. Consumers can test whether the cap is defective by trying to twist it off without pressing in on the tabs. If the top comes off simply by twisting, it is defective.

The recalled mouthwash bottles were sold at drug stores, grocery stores and other retailers in the U.S. and Canada between January and June of this year for about $4. A press release by Procter & Gamble subsidiary Crest said they are removing any remaining bottles from store shelves.

The recalled Scope bottles should be kept out of reach of children. Consumers who are concerned about the problem and would like their package replaced with one that is more child resistant can contact Procter & Gable for a full refund or replacement coupon through their website at www.scopemouthwash.com. Adult consumers can continue to use the mouthwash without concern.