What was recalled
In mid-May 2021, a significant safety alert was issued regarding specific chemical products distributed by Pro Supply Outlet. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) identified that certain sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide items sold under the Pro Supply Outlet brand failed to comply with critical federal safety standards. This recall is not about the chemical composition of the products themselves, which are standard industrial and household cleaning agents, but rather about how they were packaged and labeled at the time of sale. The core issue lies in the physical container design and the information provided on that container, both of which fell short of mandatory government requirements for hazardous household substances.
The specific items involved in this recall are rigid white plastic jars containing either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. These products were packaged in two-pound containers equipped with continuous thread caps. While these jars may appear standard to the casual observer, they lacked the specialized locking mechanisms required for child-resistant packaging under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). The identification of these specific items is straightforward if you have them on hand. For the sodium hydroxide product, look for a label featuring the Pro Supply Outlet (PSO) logo along with SKU 7023 and UPC 078345004533. If you possess the potassium hydroxide variant, it will similarly display the PSO logo but will be marked with SKU 7132 and UPC 078345004625. These identifiers are crucial for verifying whether your specific jar is part of this recall.
It is important to note that while the CPSC record provides detailed descriptions of the physical product, it does not specify the total number of units affected by this recall, nor does it list specific retail stores or online platforms where these items were purchased. The recall was officially announced on May 20, 2021. Pro Supply Outlet took the initiative to contact all known purchasers directly regarding this issue. If you purchased these products around that time frame, particularly in two-pound white jars with the aforementioned SKUs and UPCs, it is highly likely your item is included in this recall. The absence of incident reports suggests that while the packaging was non-compliant, no immediate injuries have been publicly documented, yet the potential risk remains significant enough to warrant this corrective action.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, we first need to look at the specific chemicals involved and how they interact with the human body when protection fails. The recalled products from Pro Supply Outlet contain either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. While these names might sound like complex industrial jargon, they are far more commonly known as lye or caustic soda. These substances belong to a family of chemicals called strong bases, which are highly alkaline. In their pure form or in high concentrations, they are not just irritating; they are chemically aggressive. They do not merely sit on the surface of skin like a mild soap might; they actively seek out and break down the proteins and fats that make up living tissue.
The primary mechanism of injury here is a process called liquefactive necrosis. When these chemicals come into contact with skin or eyes, they penetrate deep into the tissue and dissolve it, turning solid tissue into a liquid-like mass. This allows the damage to spread deeper and faster than many other types of chemical burns. Unlike acid burns, which can sometimes form a protective scab that limits further penetration, alkaline burns continue to eat away at layers of skin, muscle, and even bone if exposure is prolonged. The result is severe chemical burns that can lead to permanent scarring, loss of function, or in the case of eye contact, blindness.
This physical danger is compounded by two specific failures in the recalled packaging and labeling. First, the products were sold in rigid white plastic jars with standard continuous thread caps. These caps are not child-resistant. For a curious toddler or young child, opening a jar with a simple twist is an easy task. Without a specialized push-and-turn mechanism that requires dexterity children under five typically lack, these containers offer no barrier to access. The risk is not theoretical; it is a direct pathway for accidental ingestion or splash exposure.
Second, the labeling violated the Federal Hazardous Substance Act by omitting the word "poison." Under federal law, products containing hazardous chemicals in quantities that can cause serious injury must prominently display this warning signal. This omission means that consumers, especially those who might not recognize the specific chemical names on the label, were not given a clear, immediate visual cue about the extreme danger inside. A child seeing a jar without a "poison" skull and crossbones or bold warning text may not understand that touching or tasting the contents could cause immediate and lasting harm. The combination of easy-to-open packaging and unclear warnings creates a perfect storm for accidental injury, which is why CPSC mandated this recall to ensure every unit is corrected with proper child-resistant caps and clear hazard labels.
Who is most at risk
When we talk about chemical hazards in the home, it is easy to assume that any adult who handles these substances daily is equally vulnerable. However, the reality of risk is rarely uniform. The primary group at immediate risk from this recall involves households with young children, particularly those under the age of five. This demographic is uniquely susceptible not because they are more likely to encounter the chemical, but because their physiological development makes them disproportionately sensitive to toxic exposure. Children explore their environments by touching everything and often putting their hands or objects into their mouths. If a child accesses these sodium or potassium hydroxide products due to the non-child-resistant packaging, even a small amount of contact can lead to severe consequences. Their skin is thinner and more permeable than that of adults, meaning corrosive substances can penetrate deeper and cause damage more rapidly. Furthermore, children are less able to articulate exactly what happened or where it hurt, which can delay critical medical intervention.
The second group at significant risk includes anyone who stores these products in accessible areas, such as garages, utility rooms, or under kitchen sinks without locked cabinets. While the recall notice does not report any current incidents, the absence of reported injuries is likely due to luck rather than safety. The hazard here is latent; the danger exists every time the jar is opened or moved. Individuals who are less familiar with chemical handling, such as renters, students in dorm housing, or people performing DIY home repairs for the first time, may inadvertently place these jars in locations that seem convenient but are actually high-traffic zones. In these environments, the lack of a child-resistant cap becomes a critical failure point. It is not just about preventing intentional ingestion by a toddler; it is about preventing accidental spills, splashes, or transfers to other surfaces that children might touch.
We must also consider individuals with pre-existing skin conditions or respiratory sensitivities. Sodium and potassium hydroxide are strong bases that can cause chemical burns and severe irritation. For someone with eczema, open wounds, or compromised skin barriers, even minor exposure that an average adult might shrug off could lead to serious infection or prolonged healing times. Additionally, while the primary risk is dermal contact, improper handling in poorly ventilated areas can release fumes that irritate the eyes and lungs. Elderly individuals or those with mobility issues may be at risk not from accidental ingestion, but from difficulty securing the containers properly after use, leaving them open or loosely capped where others might access them. Ultimately, the risk is highest for anyone who treats these industrial-grade chemicals like common household cleaners, underestimating their potency and ignoring the specific labeling violations that indicate a lack of proper safety protocols.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you are unsure whether a chemical product sitting in your garage, basement, or workshop is part of this specific recall, do not rely on memory alone. The most reliable way to confirm your safety is to physically inspect the container for the exact details listed below. Because Pro Supply Outlet sells industrial-grade chemicals that look similar to many other brands, you need to verify several distinct markers on the packaging. Start by looking at the jar itself. You are searching for a rigid white plastic jar that holds two pounds of product. This specific shape and material is standard for this type of chemical storage, but it is not unique to the recalled items, so the label information is what truly matters.
Next, examine the cap. The recall notice specifies that these products come with continuous thread caps. While this is a common type of screw-top lid, it is part of the identified package configuration. However, the most critical identifiers are found on the front label. You need to look for the Pro Supply Outlet logo, often abbreviated as "PSO," along with the specific product name indicating either sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Do not assume a product is safe just because it looks like a different brand; you must find the specific stock keeping unit (SKU) numbers printed on that label.
To definitively identify a recalled item, check for one of the following two combinations of codes. If you have sodium hydroxide, look for SKU 7023 and UPC 078345004533. If you have potassium hydroxide, look for SKU 7132 and UPC 078345004625. These numbers are your definitive proof. If the labels are faded or damaged and you cannot read the SKUs clearly, use the Universal Product Code (UPC) as a backup method to scan or verify against the recall list. Remember that this issue stems from a failure to meet child-resistant packaging requirements and proper hazard labeling under federal law. Because the current containers lack the required "poison" warning and child-proof design, you must treat any jar matching these physical descriptions as unsafe for storage in areas accessible to children until you have secured the free replacement safety kit.
If you cannot find the SKU or UPC on the label, or if the product is in an unmarked container that previously held one of these chemicals, it is safest to assume it may be part of the recall group and contact Pro Supply Outlet directly for verification. Do not attempt to guess the contents based on smell or color alone, as chemical degradation can alter appearance. The printed codes are the only official identifiers for this recall action.
What to do — step by step
If you own a jar of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide from Pro Supply Outlet, your first priority is to secure the product immediately. Because the packaging does not meet federal child-resistant standards and the labeling omits the mandatory "poison" warning, these items pose a hidden danger that is easy to overlook, especially for families with young children who might mistake them for harmless household containers. Please stop using these products right now. Do not attempt to use them for their intended purposes until they have been made safe. Instead, carefully carry the jar to a location where it is completely out of reach of children and pets. This could be a high shelf in a locked cabinet, a garage storage area that requires a key or combination to access, or any other secure spot. The goal here is simple: remove the hazard from daily life while you arrange for the proper fix.
Once the product is safely stored, your next step is to contact Pro Supply Outlet to initiate the remedy process. The company has acknowledged the defect and is offering a free replacement child-resistant cap and label for every affected unit. This is a significant relief because it allows you to correct the safety issue without having to purchase new chemicals or discard potentially useful materials. You can reach their recall support team by calling their toll-free number at 855-248-9059. They are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication, you may email them at PSO5000@ctiinc.biz. For those who like to handle things online first, visit www.prosupplyrecall.com and click on the "Recall Notice" link for detailed instructions. Pro Supply Outlet is also proactively contacting all purchasers directly, so keep an eye on your mail or email for their official correspondence.
When you receive your replacement parts, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to apply the new child-resistant cap and the corrected label. This step is crucial because it restores the product to a compliant safety standard. The new cap will prevent small hands from opening the jar, and the updated label will clearly warn anyone nearby that the contents are poisonous, allowing for proper emergency response if an accident were to occur. Do not skip this step or try to use generic caps; the specific design of the replacement part is what ensures the packaging meets the Poison Prevention Packaging Act requirements. By taking these steps, you transform a hazardous item back into a safely managed household product.
If you have questions about whether your specific jar is included in this recall, check the identifiers mentioned earlier: look for the PSO logo on the front label and verify the SKU numbers (7023 for sodium hydroxide or 7132 for potassium hydroxide) along with their corresponding UPC codes. If you cannot find these details or if you have already discarded the product, you can still call the support line to discuss your situation. While no incidents have been reported so far, taking action now ensures that your home remains a safe environment for everyone.
Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you are one of the consumers who purchased the affected sodium or potassium hydroxide products from Pro Supply Outlet, you do not need to feel anxious about the safety issues raised in this recall. The good news is that the company has established a straightforward and cost-free remedy designed to make your situation safe without requiring you to purchase new products. It is important to understand that this is not a standard return-for-refund scenario where you send the item back for cash. Instead, the primary goal of Pro Supply Outlet is to correct the safety defect in the items you already own. They are offering a free replacement child-resistant cap and label to put on your existing product containers. This approach is both environmentally friendly and practical, as it allows you to keep using the chemical product if you still need it, provided it is now secured properly.
To take advantage of this remedy, you must reach out to Pro Supply Outlet directly. The company has taken the initiative to contact all purchasers directly regarding this recall, so please check your email or mail for any communication they may have sent. However, if you do not receive a direct message from them, or if you simply want to ensure your item is addressed, you should proactively contact their support team. You can call their toll-free number at 855-248-9059. These lines are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or need to provide specific details about your purchase, you can send an email to PSO5000@ctiinc.biz. For those who prefer a digital process, you can visit their dedicated recall website at www.prosupplyrecall.com and click on the "Recall Notice" section for more information.
When you contact Pro Supply Outlet, be prepared to provide details that help them identify your specific product. While they have the SKU and UPC codes for the recalled items (SKU 7023/UPC 078345004533 for sodium hydroxide and SKU 7132/UPC 078345004625 for potassium hydroxide), having your order number or proof of purchase can speed up the process. The core of the remedy is simple: you will receive the necessary safety components at no cost. Once you have installed the new child-resistant cap and the corrected label that includes the required "poison" warning, your product will meet federal safety standards again. This means you can store it safely in your home without worrying about the risk of chemical burns or irritation to children who might otherwise gain access to the hazardous contents due to inadequate packaging.
Please remember that while the remedy is free, the responsibility lies with you to install the new cap and label correctly. Do not discard the product immediately unless you no longer need it, as the replacement parts are intended to fix the issue rather than replace the entire jar. By following these steps, you ensure that your household remains safe from the hazards of sodium and potassium hydroxide while still having access to the products you may require for your specific needs.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product carries a recall notice, it is easy to dismiss the alert as an administrative formality or a minor inconvenience, especially if you have not personally experienced any problems yet. However, ignoring this specific recall for Pro Supply Outlet’s sodium and potassium hydroxide products poses a tangible and serious risk to your household safety. The core issue here is not just that the labeling is incorrect; it is that the physical container fails to protect vulnerable members of your home from a dangerous chemical hazard.
Sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide are powerful alkaline substances, commonly known as lyes. These chemicals are highly caustic, meaning they can cause severe tissue damage upon contact. The recall highlights that these products were sold without child-resistant packaging, which is a critical safety feature mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). If you continue to keep these jars in their current state, you are leaving a potent chemical accessible to children who might open the standard continuous thread caps with ease. Even if no incidents have been reported as of the recall date of May 20, 2021, the potential for harm remains high because the barrier between the child and the chemical is effectively non-existent.
The consequences of exposure to these chemicals are immediate and painful. If a child were to come into contact with the substance, they could suffer from severe chemical burns to the skin and eyes. These are not simple irritations that rinse away quickly; caustic burns can penetrate tissue deeply, causing lasting damage and requiring significant medical intervention. Furthermore, the products also violated the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (FHSA) by omitting the word "poison" on the label. This omission is dangerous because it removes a critical visual warning that helps adults and older children recognize the severity of the hazard. Without this clear labeling, there is a higher likelihood that someone might mishandle the product, assume it is less dangerous than it is, or fail to take immediate precautions like wearing gloves or eye protection.
While the recall notice confirms that no injuries have been reported so far, relying on past silence as an indicator of future safety is risky. Chemical hazards do not discriminate; they act based on exposure and concentration. By ignoring the recall, you are essentially gambling with the safety of your family members, particularly young children who are curious and lack the judgment to understand chemical dangers. The remedy offered by Pro Supply Outlet—a free child-resistant cap and label—is designed specifically to mitigate these risks. Failing to utilize this remedy means you are continuing to expose your home to a known, unmitigated hazard that could result in emergency room visits, permanent scarring, or other serious health complications for anyone who comes into contact with the unprotected jars.
Staying safe: broader tips
While this specific recall addresses a packaging failure for chemical products, the underlying principle applies to nearly every hazardous item in your home: proper storage is your first line of defense. Sodium and potassium hydroxide are powerful substances often found in drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and industrial solvents. Even when packaging meets legal standards, the risk of accidental exposure remains if these items are stored carelessly. A fundamental rule of household safety is to keep all hazardous chemicals in their original containers. Never decant these liquids into food or drink bottles, as this is a leading cause of accidental poisoning, particularly among children who may mistake them for beverages. Additionally, always ensure that caps and lids are tightened securely after every use. Over time, plastic seals can degrade, and simple oversight can leave a container unsealed, increasing the risk of spills or inhalation of fumes.
Child-resistant packaging is engineered to require a specific combination of strength and dexterity that young children typically do not possess. However, these mechanisms are not foolproof against determined older children or pets. To maximize safety, store all chemicals in high cabinets or locked closets that are out of sight and reach. Visibility can trigger curiosity; if a child cannot see the bottle, they are less likely to investigate it. Furthermore, consider installing child-proof locks or latches on lower cabinets where cleaning supplies might otherwise be accessible. These inexpensive accessories add a critical layer of security without requiring you to move your entire supply chain to an inaccessible attic or garage.
Beyond physical barriers, education plays a vital role in prevention. Teach older children and teenagers about the dangers of household chemicals and how to identify warning labels such as "Poison," "Danger," or "Warning." Encourage them to respect these items and never touch products they do not understand. For pets, especially cats and dogs, ensure that chemical storage areas are completely off-limits. Animals may be attracted to the scent of certain cleaners, leading to ingestion or contact dermatitis. Keeping these substances in sealed, elevated, or locked containers prevents accidental licking or pawing.
Finally, stay informed about product safety by regularly checking for recalls from official sources like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Sign up for email alerts on their websites to receive immediate notifications about new recalls affecting your home. Regularly inspect your cleaning supplies for damaged packaging, leaks, or faded labels. If a label is unreadable, dispose of the product safely rather than guessing its contents. By maintaining an organized, secure, and well-informed household environment, you significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that hazardous materials remain contained until their intended use.