Great Lakes Wholesale International Recalls Select Battery Packs Due to Battery Ingestion; Violates Federal Statute for Child-Resistant Packaging of Button Cell and Coin Batteries

What was recalled

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall for specific battery packs distributed under the brand name Great Lakes Select. This action involves products manufactured and wholesaled by Great Lakes Wholesale International. The core issue is not with the functionality of the batteries themselves, but rather with how they are packaged and labeled in relation to federal child safety laws. Consumers who purchased these items need to identify exactly which SKUs (Stock Keeping Units) are affected to ensure they are taking the correct safety steps.

The recall targets Great Lakes Select Battery Packs that display the name "Great Lakes Select" on the back of their packaging, along with a specific item number on the front. The affected items span several different pack sizes and battery types, ranging from small packs of six to larger bulk packs of forty. It is crucial to check the item number printed on your package against the list below to determine if your product is part of this recall.

• Item Number 263: A pack containing six (6) CR2032 batteries, priced between $0.65 and $1.10.
• Item Number 264: A pack containing nine (9) mixed CR2016, CR2032, or CR2025 batteries, priced between $1.10 and $1.50.
• Item Number 265: A pack containing nine (9) CR2032 batteries, priced between $0.89 and $1.50.
• Item Number 271: A pack containing thirty (30) mixed batteries, priced between $0.96 and $1.50.
• Item Number 272: A pack containing forty (40) mixed Super Alkaline batteries, priced between $1.65 and $2.25.
• Item Number 276: A pack containing twenty-four (24) LR44/357 Super Alkaline batteries, priced between $1.10 and $1.50.

While the recall notice does not specify exact retail stores or online platforms where these items were sold, it is important to note that Great Lakes Wholesale International operates as a distributor. This means these battery packs may have been purchased by other retailers who then resold them to the public. Therefore, even if you did not buy them directly from a "Great Lakes" branded storefront, you should inspect any loose or bulk batteries you currently possess. The recall was officially announced on November 13, 2025, and applies to all units of the above-described products that failed to meet federal safety standards for child-resistant packaging.

The hazard, explained

At first glance, a button cell or lithium coin battery might seem harmless—small, flat, and often hidden inside everyday devices like key fobs, calculators, or hearing aids. However, when these batteries are not secured in child-resistant packaging with proper warning labels as required by Reese’s Law, they pose a severe and rapidly escalating danger to young children. The core issue here is not just that the batteries are accessible, but what happens physically inside the human body once they are swallowed.

When a child ingests a button cell battery, it can become lodged in the esophagus—the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach—before ever reaching the stomach. This is particularly dangerous because the battery remains trapped against the delicate tissue of the esophageal wall. Within just two hours, the battery creates an electrical circuit with the moist tissue, triggering a chemical reaction known as hydrolysis. This process generates hydroxide ions at the negative pole of the battery, creating a highly alkaline environment that causes deep, full-thickness burns to the surrounding tissue.

These injuries are not superficial. The chemical burns can lead to necrosis (tissue death), perforation of the esophagus, and damage to nearby critical structures such as the aorta or trachea. In severe cases, this can result in life-threatening bleeding, fistulas (abnormal connections between organs), or permanent scarring that narrows the airway or food pipe. The CPSC notes that these injuries can be fatal if not treated immediately with emergency medical care.

It is important to understand that this risk is unique to button cell and coin batteries, especially lithium types, due to their high energy density and voltage. Unlike larger batteries, they are small enough to fit entirely into a child’s mouth and even their throat, making them easy to swallow accidentally. The lack of child-resistant packaging in the recalled Great Lakes Select Battery Packs means there is no physical barrier to prevent a curious child from accessing these dangerous power sources.

The absence of required warning labels further compounds the risk. Clear labeling serves as a critical last line of defense, alerting caregivers to the specific dangers and proper disposal methods. Without these warnings, parents and guardians may not realize how quickly a seemingly innocuous battery can become a medical emergency. The combination of easy access and severe internal injury potential makes this recall urgent and necessary.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at immediate and severe risk from this recall consists of young children, particularly those under the age of five. While the Great Lakes Select Battery Packs are marketed toward consumers who need reliable power for small electronic devices—such as remote controls, calculators, or key fobs—the danger lies not in how the batteries work, but in their accessibility to curious toddlers and infants. These little ones explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. The recalled items contain button cell and lithium coin batteries that lack the child-resistant packaging mandated by federal law under Reese’s Law. This means there is no physical barrier preventing a child from squeezing a battery out of its package or finding loose units scattered on a floor, table, or counter.

The vulnerability of this demographic is compounded by their natural behaviors and physiological makeup. Children in this age group are naturally inquisitive and lack the cognitive ability to understand that small, shiny objects are dangerous if swallowed. Furthermore, their esophagi (the tubes connecting the mouth to the stomach) are significantly narrower than those of adults. This anatomical difference is critical because it allows a button cell battery to become lodged against the delicate tissue of the esophagus rather than passing quickly into the stomach. When a battery is stuck in place, it can complete an electrical circuit with the body’s natural moisture, leading to rapid and severe internal chemical burns. This process can cause life-threatening injuries, including perforation of the esophagus, damage to major blood vessels, and potentially death, often occurring within just two hours of ingestion.

While elderly individuals or those with specific medical conditions might also handle these batteries, they are generally not at the same level of acute physical risk regarding ingestion. Older adults may be more prone to accidental swallowing due to difficulty handling small packaging or diminished dexterity, but the catastrophic speed of injury associated with battery ingestion is uniquely tied to the anatomy of young children. Therefore, if you have any of the recalled item numbers (263, 264, 265, 271, 272, or 276) in your home, your primary duty is to ensure these items are completely out of reach and sight of any child. Even if you do not have children currently living with you, grandchildren, visiting friends’ kids, or pets who might chew on packaging should be considered. The risk is not just about who *owns* the product, but who has the opportunity to *access* it. Because no incidents have been reported at this time, the window to prevent harm is wide open, making immediate removal from child-accessible areas the most critical step for all households.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before you take any action, the most critical step is confirming exactly which battery packs are involved in this recall. Because Great Lakes Wholesale International distributes products that may look similar to other standard batteries on the market, precise identification is essential to ensure you are addressing the specific hazard. The recall targets a specific line of "Great Lakes Select" battery packs. These are not generic unbranded items; they carry distinct branding that serves as your primary visual cue. You need to inspect the packaging closely to verify the brand name.

To confirm whether your item is part of this recall, start by turning the package over. The back of the packaging must display the name "Great Lakes Select." If the packaging lacks this specific branding or displays a different manufacturer's logo, it is not part of this specific CPSC action. Next, flip the package to the front. Here, you will find an item number printed clearly on the label. This number is your definitive key to identifying the product. The recall encompasses several specific item numbers, each corresponding to different quantities and types of batteries. You should look for any of the following item numbers: 263, 264, 265, 271, 272, or 276.

Each item number corresponds to a specific configuration of batteries, which can help you further verify what you have. Item number 263 contains a pack of six CR2032 batteries. Item number 264 includes a pack of nine mixed CR2016, CR2032, or CR2025 batteries. Item number 265 holds a pack of nine CR2032 batteries. Item number 271 is a larger pack containing thirty mixed batteries. Item number 272 includes forty mixed Super Alkaline batteries, and item number 276 contains twenty-four LR44 or 357 Super Alkaline batteries. While the battery types vary, the common thread is the "Great Lakes Select" branding and one of these specific item numbers.

Additionally, while price ranges can fluctuate based on retailer markup, the recalled items generally fall within specific cost brackets. Item 263 typically ranges from $0.65 to $1.10. Items 264 and 265 usually range between $1.10 and $1.50, with item 265 sometimes starting as low as $0.89. Item 271 is priced between $0.96 and $1.50. Item 272 often costs between $1.65 and $2.25, and item 276 ranges from $1.10 to $1.50. However, do not rely on price alone for identification, as sales or regional pricing may vary. Stick to the physical evidence: the "Great Lakes Select" name on the back and the specific item number on the front. If your battery pack matches these criteria, it is part of this recall and requires immediate attention.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have one of the recalled Great Lakes Select Battery Packs, your primary and most straightforward remedy is a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has confirmed that Great Lakes Wholesale International is offering complete refunds to consumers who return these specific items. It is important to understand right away that there is no repair option available for this recall. Because the issue involves the fundamental packaging design failing to meet federal child-safety standards under Reese’s Law, the product cannot be fixed in place. The hazard lies in the lack of child-resistant packaging and required warning labels, which are intrinsic to the manufacturing process. Therefore, the only way to mitigate the risk is to remove the item from your home entirely and exchange it for your money back.

To initiate this process, you must contact Great Lakes Wholesale International directly. They have established several channels for you to reach their recall support team. You can call them at 708-597-6000. Their customer service representatives are available to assist you from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to send documentation, you may email them directly at Recall@Glwholesale.com. Alternatively, for the most up-to-date instructions and potential online forms, visit their website at www.glwholesale.com. Once there, look for the "Recall" link located at the very top of the page. This is the official portal where you can find detailed guidance on how to proceed with your refund claim without unnecessary delays.

While preparing to contact them, it is helpful to have your item information ready. The recall affects specific item numbers that display "Great Lakes Select" on the back of the packaging and a specific item number on the front. These include Item 263 (a pack of six CR2032 batteries), Item 264 (a pack of nine mixed CR2016/CR2032/CR2025 batteries), Item 271 (a pack of nine CR2032 batteries), and others in the 270s series. Having these details on hand will help the support team verify your purchase quickly, ensuring your refund is processed efficiently. Please note that the recall notice does not specify whether you need to physically mail the batteries back to them or if they will provide prepaid shipping labels. It is highly recommended that you ask this question explicitly when you first make contact via phone or email.

Another critical part of your remedy plan is the safe disposal or recycling of the batteries themselves. The recall notice explicitly states that button cell and coin batteries are hazardous materials. You should not simply throw them in your regular household trash. Instead, follow your local hazardous waste procedures for disposal. Many communities have specific drop-off locations for battery recycling. By handling the batteries responsibly, you protect yourself, your family, and sanitation workers from potential chemical leaks or fires. Once you have secured your refund agreement with Great Lakes Wholesale International, ensure you dispose of the recalled packs safely immediately after confirming the return process.

Remember, this remedy is designed to be consumer-friendly because the safety stakes are so high. The failure to use child-resistant packaging violates federal statute, placing the burden on the manufacturer to make things right. By following these steps—contacting them during business hours, using their official email or website, and asking about return logistics—you ensure that you get your money back while removing a dangerous product from your home. Do not wait for further instructions; the risk of accidental ingestion is real, and acting now is the best way to ensure your household’s safety.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is easy to think that a small oversight—like leaving a battery pack on a kitchen counter or in a junk drawer—poses little immediate threat. After all, these items are inexpensive, and the packaging may look standard. However, ignoring this specific recall carries severe, irreversible consequences because the hazard is not about the batteries failing while you use them; it is about what happens if a child gains access to them. The Great Lakes Select Battery Packs have been recalled specifically because they violate federal law regarding child-resistant packaging and warning labels. By continuing to keep these items in your home without taking action, you are effectively removing the critical safety barriers that prevent curious toddlers from accessing highly dangerous components.

The primary danger lies in the physical nature of button cell and lithium coin batteries. If a child manages to open the non-child-resistant packaging and swallows one of these batteries, the result can be catastrophic. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ingested batteries can cause internal chemical burns within just two hours of ingestion. This is not a slow process. The battery creates an electrical current when it comes into contact with bodily fluids, leading to rapid tissue destruction in the esophagus and surrounding areas. This injury is distinct from typical choking hazards; even if the child does not choke immediately, the internal damage occurs silently and aggressively.

The potential outcomes of ignoring this risk are grave. Ingestion can lead to serious, life-altering injuries, including perforations in the esophagus, damage to the aorta (the main artery carrying blood from the heart), and severe infections. Tragically, there have been documented cases where battery ingestion has resulted in death. While the CPSC notes that no incidents have been reported for this specific batch of Great Lakes Select Battery Packs at the time of this recall, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is low—it means you are currently the only thing standing between a potential tragedy and your child’s safety. The lack of required warning labels on these packs further exacerbates the danger, as it removes any visual cue that might alert an adult to the specific hazard before a child gets hold of them.

Continuing to use or store these battery packs also normalizes unsafe storage practices for other hazardous items in your home. Children learn by observation; if they see batteries left in accessible, unmarked containers, they are more likely to investigate similar objects. By rectifying this situation now, you are not just preventing a potential injury from these specific units; you are reinforcing a culture of safety that protects against all small, ingestible hazards. Do not wait for a scare or a symptom to act. The window for prevention is wide open right now, but once a battery is ingested, the window for safe resolution closes rapidly.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a critical gap in packaging for Great Lakes Select Battery Packs, the underlying danger of button cell and coin batteries extends far beyond this single brand or batch. These tiny power sources are ubiquitous in modern life, found in everything from car key fobs and digital scales to hearing aids and festive holiday decorations. Because they are so small and often look like candies or coins, they pose a unique, silent threat to curious toddlers who explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. Understanding how to create a safer home environment involves more than just checking for recalls; it requires a proactive approach to storage and supervision that anticipates where these batteries might be hiding.

The most effective defense against accidental ingestion is diligent storage. Never leave button cell batteries loose in drawers, on countertops, or inside open compartments of devices. When you remove a battery from a device—whether it is a remote control, a thermometer, or a toy—immediately place the old battery into a secure container designed for hazardous waste or a locked box intended specifically for spare batteries. If you are storing loose batteries, ensure they are in their original packaging if possible, or keep them in a sealed, child-resistant container that cannot be easily opened by small hands. This simple habit prevents a curious child from accessing a loose battery during playtime.

Equally important is the practice of securing the devices themselves. Many households assume that because a device is heavy or expensive, it will not be moved. However, young children are surprisingly strong and persistent. Ensure that battery compartments on all household electronics are screwed shut or otherwise secured so they cannot be popped open with simple finger pressure. If you notice any screws are missing or stripped, replace them immediately. Regularly inspect toys and gadgets for signs of wear and tear; if a battery compartment is loose, take the device out of circulation until it can be properly repaired or disposed of.

Finally, stay informed through broader safety resources. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other safety organizations regularly update guidelines on child-resistant packaging and safe storage practices. Consider signing up for recall alerts from these official sources so you are notified immediately if any product in your home is found to be unsafe. Additionally, educate all caregivers, including grandparents and babysitters, about the specific dangers of these batteries. By treating every button cell with the same respect as a hazardous chemical, you significantly reduce the risk of tragedy and ensure that the convenience of modern electronics does not come at the cost of safety.