What was recalled
In April 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant safety recall involving a popular line of topical pain relief products manufactured and distributed by Telebrands Corp. The affected items belong to the Hempvana brand, specifically targeting consumers who rely on over-the-counter creams and lotions for managing muscle and joint discomfort. This recall is not limited to a single item but encompasses several distinct variants within the Hempvana product family that contain the active ingredient lidocaine, a local anesthetic commonly used to numb skin and relieve pain. The scope of this action is broad enough to catch many shoppers who may have purchased these items in recent years, making it essential for anyone using these specific products to verify their inventory immediately.
The specific products included in this recall are the Hempvana Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream with Lidocaine, the Hempvana Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Night with Lidocaine, and the Hempvana Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Turmeric with Lidocaine. Additionally, the Hempvana Pain Relieving Hand & Body Lotion with Lidocaine is also part of this recall notice. These products were marketed under the "Hempvana" name, which is prominently displayed on the packaging in large black letters, often alongside the words "Pain Relief" or "Pain Relieving." The visual identity of these items is distinct, featuring green labeling with accent colors corresponding to the specific variant: red for the standard Ultra Strength Cream and the Hand & Body Lotion, purple for the Night formula, and orange for the Turmeric-infused cream. Understanding these visual cues is the first step in identifying whether your current supply falls under this recall.
To ensure accuracy when checking your home supplies, you must look beyond just the brand name and examine the specific item numbers and Universal Product Code (UPC) numbers located on the packaging. The creams come in 4-ounce jars equipped with twist-off lids, while the lotion is packaged in an 8-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser. For the jar products, the UPC number is printed on the bottom panel of the package. In contrast, for the Pain Relieving Hand & Body Lotion, the UPC number appears on the label affixed to the back of the product. The specific identifiers for the recalled items are as follows: the Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream with Lidocaine has Item No. 15436 and UPC 97298053542; the Night version carries Item No. 14597 and UPC 97298052583; the Turmeric variant is Item No. 14460 with UPC 97298052170; and the Hand & Body Lotion is Item No. 15440 with UPC 97298053566. While the official recall notice does not specify the exact number of units sold or the specific retail locations where these products were distributed, they were widely available through various channels leading up to the April 14, 2022, announcement date. If you possess any of these items matching the descriptions and codes above, they are part of this recall.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look past the soothing promise of pain relief and focus on the strict safety rules designed to keep that relief from becoming a danger. The core issue here isn’t that the Hempväna products are ineffective or contaminated with harmful bacteria; rather, the problem lies entirely in how they are packaged. Under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), a federal law enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), any over-the-counter medication containing lidocaine must be sold in packaging that is difficult for young children to open. This requirement exists because lidocaine, while excellent for numbing pain, is a potent local anesthetic that can be toxic if ingested or absorbed in significant quantities by small bodies.
The specific failure identified in this recall is that the containers for these Hempväna products do not meet those rigorous child-resistant standards. The packaging described in the recall facts—specifically the twist-off lids on the 4-ounce jars and the standard pump dispensers on the hand and body lotion—is designed primarily for consumer convenience and aesthetic appeal, not for security against curious toddlers. A twist-off lid, which is common for creams and lotions to make daily application easier, can be opened by a child with remarkable ease. Similarly, a standard pump dispenser does not require significant force or complex dexterity to operate, meaning a young child can easily dispense the product into their hands.
The danger arises from the dual nature of lidocaine’s delivery system. When swallowed, even small amounts can lead to poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, central nervous system effects like dizziness or seizures. Because children are smaller than adults, the margin for error is much thinner; a dose that might be harmless to an adult could be dangerous to a toddler. Furthermore, the risk isn't limited to ingestion. If a child places the cream or lotion on their skin, the lidocaine can be absorbed directly into their bloodstream through their more permeable skin. This systemic absorption can lead to toxicity without the child ever putting anything in their mouth. The packaging is essentially a gatekeeper; when that gate is too easy to open, the substance inside loses its protective boundary, turning a therapeutic product into a potential poison source.
This isn't just a theoretical risk. The CPSC mandates these specific packaging types because historical data has shown that standard containers fail to prevent accidental access by children under five years of age. The goal of the PPPA is to buy time—time for an adult to notice and intervene—by making the container require a level of coordination and strength that young children have not yet developed. By failing to include this specialized barrier, these Hempväna products inadvertently expose households with young children to an unnecessary and preventable risk of accidental poisoning.
Who is most at risk
While this recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission affects anyone who has purchased Hempvana pain relief products containing lidocaine, the primary concern centers on households with young children. The core of the hazard lies in the fact that the packaging fails to meet the stringent child-resistant standards required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). For families with toddlers or preschoolers, this is a significant vulnerability. Young children are naturally curious and lack the cognitive ability to understand that topical creams are not toys or snacks. They may be drawn to the bright green labels or the appealing texture of the cream. Because the jars feature standard twist-off lids rather than specialized safety closures, a child can easily open them without adult assistance. Once accessed, the lidocaine inside poses a severe poisoning risk if ingested or if it comes into contact with sensitive areas like the eyes or mouth.
It is important to clarify that while young children are the most immediate danger due to their behavior and physiology, other household members are also at risk of accidental exposure. This includes infants who may be carried around by caregivers using these products, as well as older siblings who might handle the containers carelessly. The risk extends beyond just ingestion; if a child gets the cream on their hands and then rubs their eyes or face, it can cause significant irritation and systemic absorption of the medication. Furthermore, anyone with sensitive skin should be cautious, as accidental application to broken skin or mucous membranes can lead to unexpected side effects, though this is secondary to the poisoning risk.
Elderly individuals who use these products for pain management are also part of the affected group, though their risk profile is different. They are not at risk of poisoning themselves in the same way a child would be, but they may inadvertently leave containers within reach of grandchildren or other visitors. Additionally, if an elderly user has diminished dexterity, they might struggle to close the lids properly even after use, leaving the product accessible to others in the home. Therefore, while the direct health threat is highest for young children due to their small body mass and lack of judgment regarding medicinal substances, the entire household dynamic must be considered when addressing this safety issue.
Ultimately, the vulnerability stems from a mismatch between the product’s intended adult use and the accessibility of its container. Any home where these specific Hempvana items are present should treat them as hazardous materials until they are properly disposed of or secured with the provided child-resistant closures. The absence of reported incidents so far is fortunate, but it does not eliminate the potential for tragedy if a curious child discovers an open jar of lidocaine cream.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before you take any action, it is important to confirm exactly which products are involved in this recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Telebrands have identified specific Hempväna pain relief products containing lidocaine that do not meet child-resistant packaging requirements. Because these items were sold under the same brand name but come in various formulations and container types, it is easy to mix them up. To ensure you are identifying the correct recalled items, please look for the following specific details on your packaging.
First, check the branding prominently displayed on the front of the package. The word "Hempväna" should be printed in large black letters, followed by either "Pain Relief" or "Pain Relieving." This is the primary visual indicator that you are holding one of the affected products. Beyond the brand name, you need to verify the specific product type, as only certain lidocaine-containing creams and lotions are included in this recall. The recalled items include Hempväna Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream with Lidocaine, Hempväna Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Night with Lidocaine, Hempväna Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Turmeric with Lidocaine, and Hempväna Pain Relieving Hand & Body Lotion with Lidocaine.
Next, examine the physical characteristics of the container to distinguish between the different recalled SKUs. For the cream products, you will find them in 4-ounce jars equipped with a twist-off lid. The specific variant can be identified by the color combination on the label: the standard cream has a green and red label, the Night version features a green and purple label, and the Turmeric blend uses a green and orange label. For the lotion product, look for an 8-ounce bottle with a pump dispenser that also features a green and red label.
The most definitive way to confirm your product is recalled is by checking the Universal Product Code (UPC) and Item Number. These codes are printed on the bottom panel of the package for all jar products. For the lotion, the UPC number appears on the label on the back of the product. Please compare your item against the following list:
- Hempväna Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream with Lidocaine: Item No. 15436, UPC 97298053542
- Hempväna Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Night with Lidocaine: Item No. 14597, UPC 97298052583
- Hempväna Ultra Strength Pain Relief Cream Turmeric with Lidocaine: Item No. 14460, UPC 97298052170
- Hempväna Pain Relieving Hand & Body Lotion with Lidocaine: Item No. 15440, UPC 97298053566
If your product matches any of these descriptions and codes, it is part of this recall. If you cannot find the item number or if the packaging does not match these specific details, your product may not be affected, but it is always safer to verify with the manufacturer if you are unsure.
What to do — step by step
If you have purchased any of the Hempvana pain relief products listed in this recall, your immediate priority is to ensure that the lidocaine-containing substances are kept completely away from children and pets. Because the packaging fails to meet the child-resistant standards required by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act, these jars and bottles open too easily for curious little hands or mouths. Please follow these concrete steps right now to protect your household and secure your remedy.- Stop using the product immediately. Do not apply the cream or lotion to yourself or anyone else until you have resolved the packaging issue. While the lidocaine itself is a standard pain-relieving ingredient, its presence in non-child-resistant containers creates a significant risk of accidental ingestion or inappropriate skin exposure for young children. Put the recalled item down and set it aside.
- Secure the product in a safe location. Even though you are no longer using it, you must still store it out of sight and reach of young children. Do not leave it on bathroom counters, kitchen tables, or nightstands where a child could find it. Place the jar or bottle in a high cabinet, a locked drawer, or another area that is physically inaccessible to toddlers and curious pets. This step is critical because the risk of poisoning remains as long as the product is accessible.
- Contact Telebrands for your specific remedy options. You have two primary paths forward regarding the physical product: a full refund or a free child-resistant closure for the jar products. To proceed, reach out to Telebrands Corp directly. You can call their toll-free number at 855-306-1424. Their customer service team is available from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. Alternatively, you can visit www.hempvana.com/pages/recall-and-safety or go to the main site at www.Hempvana.com and click on the "Recall & Safety" button located at the bottom of the page. When you contact them, ask specifically about how to safely dispose of the recalled products if you choose not to keep them, or how to receive the free child-resistant closure if you wish to continue using the jar products.
- Take advantage of the digital coupon offer. As part of their commitment to customer care during this recall, Telebrands is providing a $15 digital coupon code. This code is good toward the purchase of any Hempvana products at www.Hempvana.com. You can obtain this code through the same channels mentioned above: via phone or by visiting the Recall & Safety pages online. This offer allows you to potentially replace your current product with one that may have updated packaging or simply provides credit for future pain relief needs, ensuring you are not left without a solution.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have identified one of the recalled Hempväna pain relief products in your home, you have several clear and generous pathways to resolve the issue. The primary goal of this recall is not just to remove a potentially unsafe item from your shelf, but to ensure that you are made whole for your inconvenience. Telebrands Corp has designed a remedy that offers flexibility, allowing you to choose between a full refund, a free safety upgrade, or a discount on future purchases, depending on what best suits your needs and whether you wish to continue using the brand.
The most straightforward option is to request a full refund. This means you will receive your money back for the recalled product without having to pay any restocking fees or provide extensive proof of purchase beyond confirming the item details. To initiate this process, you must contact Telebrands directly. They have established specific channels for consumers to reach out and process these refunds. You can call their toll-free number at 855-306-1424. It is helpful to know their operating hours to ensure you get through during a convenient time: they are available from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. ET Monday through Friday, and on weekends, the hours shift slightly to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.
Alternatively, if you prefer not to part with the product immediately or want to keep it for safe adult use only, Telebrands offers a free child-resistant closure for the jar products. This is a practical fix that addresses the specific hazard of the recall—the lack of child-resistant packaging—without requiring you to throw away the cream entirely. By installing this closure, you can continue to use the pain relief benefits of the lidocaine cream while mitigating the risk of accidental exposure to young children. To obtain this free safety accessory, you will need to go through the same contact channels as the refund request.
In addition to the refund or the free closure, Telebrands is offering a $15 digital coupon code. This code is valid toward the purchase of any Hempväna products at www.Hempvana.com. This incentive is designed to encourage customers to stay within the brand family while upgrading their safety practices, perhaps by purchasing a different product that may already comply with packaging standards or simply showing appreciation for your patience during this process.
To access all these remedies—the refund, the free child-resistant closure, or the $15 coupon—you can also visit the dedicated recall page online. Navigate to www.hempvana.com/pages/recall-and-safety, or go to the main site at www.hempvana.com and look for the "Recall & Safety" button located at the bottom of the page. These digital resources provide a self-service option if you prefer to manage your remedy request through the web rather than by phone. Remember to have your product’s item number and UPC handy, as these details will help Telebrands verify that your specific jar or bottle is indeed part of this recall batch.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a product that has become part of your daily routine for managing pain. When you are dealing with chronic discomfort or acute soreness, the relief provided by Hempvana products can feel indispensable. The temptation to keep using them—simply because they work and you have already invested in them—is strong. However, ignoring this recall is not a minor oversight; it is a significant safety gamble that puts your household, particularly any young children, at serious risk. The core issue here is not the efficacy of the cream itself, but the dangerous lack of protection in how it is packaged. By continuing to use these products without addressing the packaging flaw, you are essentially leaving a potent substance accessible in an environment where curiosity often outpaces caution.
Lidocaine is a widely used local anesthetic that numbs nerve endings to block pain signals. While it is safe and effective when applied correctly by adults, it becomes highly toxic if ingested or absorbed in large quantities through the skin of a small child. Children are not just smaller versions of adults; their bodies process chemicals differently, and they have a much lower tolerance for toxins. If a young child manages to open the jar or bottle because the cap is not child-resistant, they might mistake the cream for a treat due to its scent or texture. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to severe poisoning. The symptoms of lidocaine poisoning in children can be rapid and frightening, including seizures, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. There have been no reported incidents involving these specific Hempvana products yet, but the absence of reports does not mean the risk is absent; it simply means that, so far, luck has prevented a tragedy.
Beyond the immediate risk of acute poisoning, there is the danger of accidental skin absorption. Children’s skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, meaning chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream more quickly. If a toddler gets the cream on their hands and then rubs their eyes, mouth, or other sensitive areas, they can experience systemic effects without swallowing the product directly. This could result in dizziness, confusion, or respiratory distress. By ignoring the recall, you are leaving these safety mechanisms entirely up to chance. You are relying on a twist-off lid, which is designed for ease of access rather than security, to keep a dangerous substance away from curious hands. The consequences of this negligence can be life-altering, leading to emergency room visits, long-term health complications, or worse.
We know that giving up a trusted pain relief product can feel like losing a valuable tool in your health arsenal. But the cost of continuing to use these items is far too high. The risk is not theoretical; it is a direct result of the packaging’s failure to meet federal safety standards designed specifically to prevent this exact scenario. By choosing to ignore the recall, you are prioritizing convenience over the fundamental safety of your children. The potential outcomes—ranging from severe medical emergencies to permanent harm—are simply not worth the discomfort of finding an alternative pain management strategy. Please do not wait for a scare to take action. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe is far more valuable than any bottle of cream.