GloryBee Natural Sweeteners Recalls GloryBee Wintergreen Essential Oil Due to Failure to Meet Child Resistant Packaging Requirement; Risk of Poisoning

What was recalled

In the middle of July 2020, a specific batch of essential oils hit the safety radar in a way that caught many home cooks and natural health enthusiasts off guard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that GloryBee, a brand known for its line of natural sweeteners and culinary ingredients, was issuing a recall for their Wintergreen Essential Oil. This wasn't a vague warning about a potential manufacturing defect; it was a precise, targeted recall involving specific physical products sold in amber glass bottles topped with black caps. If you have been using GloryBee Wintergreen Essential Oil for baking, aromatherapy, or DIY remedies, this notice is critical because the issue lies not in the oil itself, but in how it was packaged and distributed.

The scope of this recall is defined by very specific product details that you can verify on your own bottle. The affected items are clearly labeled with "Wintergreen," along with the scientific name "Gaultheria procumbens" and the claim "100% Pure Undiluted." You will also see the GloryBee logo prominently displayed on brown labels, which include the volume amount to help identify the size. The recall covers four distinct sizes of this essential oil: 0.5 fluid ounces (15 mL), 1 fluid ounce (30 mL), 4 fluid ounces (118 mL), and 16 fluid ounces (473 mL). Each size has a unique product number and UPC code, which serve as the primary identifiers for consumers trying to determine if their bottle is part of this specific safety alert.

To make it easier for you to check your pantry or medicine cabinet, here is exactly what to look for on the front of the label. The lot numbers are printed clearly on the front, and the UPC codes are located right next to the barcode. For the 15 mL bottle, look for product number 19831 and UPC code 3004244258, with lot numbers MG0101255 or MG0100449. The 30 mL version carries product number 19832 and UPC 3004244256; its affected lot numbers include MG0100456, MG0101256, MG0114984, MG0115834, MG0117772, MG0122440, MG0126997, MG0129053, MG0130989, and MG0131370. If you have the larger 118 mL bottle, check for product number 19833 and UPC 3004244257, with lot numbers MG0100464, MG0101258, MG0120174, MG0130988, and MG0131369. Finally, the 473 mL bottle is identified by product number 19834 and UPC 3004244258, with lot numbers MG0100471, MG0101259, MG0120175, and MG0131368.

While the recall notice does not specify exactly which retail stores or online platforms sold these items, it is important to remember that GloryBee products are widely distributed through various health food stores, online retailers, and direct-to-consumer channels. The key takeaway is that if you have any of the specific lot numbers listed above, regardless of where you purchased them, they are part of this recall. The absence of reported incidents at the time of the announcement does not diminish the seriousness of the packaging failure, so checking your bottle against these details is the first step in ensuring your household's safety.

The hazard, explained

At the heart of this recall is a simple but dangerous oversight: the packaging. While the product itself—GloryBee Wintergreen Essential Oil—is a natural substance derived from the Gaultheria procumbens plant, its physical container fails to meet critical safety standards. Specifically, the amber glass bottles are sealed with standard black caps that are not child-resistant. Under federal law, known as the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), products containing certain hazardous substances must be packaged in containers that are difficult for young children to open or remove contents from within a specified timeframe. Because these bottles do not meet that requirement, they offer no physical barrier to a curious toddler who can easily twist off the cap and access the liquid inside.

The danger lies not just in the fact that the bottle can be opened, but in what happens once it is. The primary active ingredient in wintergreen essential oil is methyl salicylate. To understand why this is so dangerous for children, it helps to look at how our bodies process this chemical. Methyl salicylate is rapidly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes and is converted in the body into salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is closely related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). While aspirin is a common over-the-counter medication for adults and older children when used correctly, it can be extremely toxic to young children if ingested in even small amounts.

The mechanism of harm here is particularly insidious because wintergreen oil is highly concentrated. It contains approximately 98% methyl salicylate. For comparison, many common pain-relief creams contain only a fraction of that concentration. A single teaspoon of pure wintergreen essential oil contains the equivalent of roughly 24 standard aspirin tablets. Because the product is an oil, it is also slick and easy to swallow accidentally, bypassing the body’s natural gag reflexes that might otherwise protect against dry pills or powders. When a young child ingests this substance, their small body mass cannot process the sudden influx of salicylates efficiently.

This leads to a condition known as salicylate poisoning. The chemical disrupts the body's ability to regulate temperature and pH levels in the blood. Symptoms can develop quickly and include rapid breathing, vomiting, ringing in the ears, confusion, drowsiness, and seizures. In severe cases, untreated poisoning can lead to coma, respiratory failure, or death. Because the risk is so high and the margin for error so low, the absence of a child-resistant cap transforms a harmless-looking bottle of essential oil into a potential emergency situation. The recall highlights that even natural products require rigorous safety protocols when they contain potent chemical compounds.

Who is most at risk

The primary group at immediate and severe risk from this recall are young children, particularly those under the age of five. This vulnerability stems directly from the specific nature of the hazard involved: methyl salicylate, a potent chemical compound found in wintergreen essential oil. While the product is marketed as a natural sweetener or aromatic oil, its chemical composition makes it exceptionally dangerous if ingested by small humans. The core issue here is not just that children are curious and prone to putting things in their mouths, but that they lack the physical ability to open child-resistant containers. Because GloryBee failed to provide packaging that meets the strict standards of the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA), any standard black cap on these amber bottles offers little to no barrier against a determined toddler or preschooler. A child who can twist off a regular bottle cap can access the contents easily, turning a household staple into a life-threatening poison.

The physiological reason for this heightened risk lies in the dosage sensitivity of young bodies. Methyl salicylate is rapidly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and can cause severe poisoning even in very small amounts. For an adult, swallowing a teaspoon of wintergreen oil might be unpleasant or require medical attention, but for a small child weighing significantly less than an adult, that same volume represents a massive overdose. The margin for error is virtually non-existent. A single capful of this essential oil contains enough methyl salicylate to be fatal to a young child. Therefore, the risk is not merely about accidental ingestion; it is about the disproportionate biological impact that a relatively small amount of poison has on a developing body compared to an adult one.

While children are the primary concern due to their behavior and size, other household members may also face indirect risks if they handle the product without proper precautions. Individuals who care for young children, such as parents, grandparents, or daycare providers, are at risk of exposure through secondary contact if they do not immediately secure the bottle after use. Furthermore, anyone with a history of sensitivity to salicylates should avoid handling the oil on their skin, though the acute poisoning risk is overwhelmingly tied to ingestion by minors. It is also worth noting that while the elderly are often considered a vulnerable population in medical contexts, the specific mechanism of this recall—failure of child-resistant packaging—does not inherently place them at higher risk of accidental ingestion compared to the general adult population, unless they share living spaces with young children who might access the bottles and subsequently hand them over. The urgency of this situation is driven by the presence of small children in the home, making the immediate removal or secure storage of these items critical for family safety.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, you need to be absolutely certain that the bottle in your cupboard matches the specific products affected by this recall. GloryBee has issued a targeted recall for their Wintergreen Essential Oil, and because essential oils often come in similar-looking amber glass bottles with black caps, it is easy to mistake a safe product for a recalled one. The first step is to locate the brown label on the front of the bottle. You should look for the word "Wintergreen" printed prominently, along with the scientific name "Gaultheria procumbens." Additionally, the label will typically state "100% Pure Undiluted" and feature the GloryBee logo. If your bottle lacks these specific identifiers or does not have a brown label, it is likely not part of this recall, but you must verify the physical details below to be sure.

The most critical part of identifying the recalled items is checking the lot number printed on the front of the label. The CPSC has identified that only products with specific lot numbers are subject to this safety notice. Because these codes can be easy to miss, turn the bottle around or look closely at the label's edge where the code is stamped. If you do not see a lot number starting with "MG," it is probably safe. However, if you find one of the following lot numbers, stop and read on: MG0101255, MG0100449, MG0100456, MG0101256, MG0114984, MG0115834, MG0117772, MG0122440, MG0126997, MG0129053, MG0130989, MG0131370, MG0100464, MG0101258, MG0120174, MG0130988, MG0131369, MG0100471, MG0101259, MG0120175, or MG0130987. If your lot number is not on this list, you are not affected by this specific recall.

You should also check the size of the bottle and the Universal Product Code (UPC) to confirm your match. This recall covers four specific sizes: 0.5 fl. oz. (15 mL), 1 fl. oz. (30 mL), 4 fl. oz. (118 mL), and 16 fl. oz. (473 mL). Each size has a corresponding Product Number and UPC code located next to the barcode on the label. For the 15 mL bottle, look for Product Number 19831 and UPC 3004244255. The 30 mL bottle carries Product Number 19832 and UPC 3004244256. If you have the larger 4 fl. oz. size, it will have Product Number 19833 and UPC 3004244257. Finally, the largest 16 fl. oz. bottle is marked with Product Number 19834 and UPC 3004244258. Cross-referencing these details ensures you are not confusing this recall with other essential oil products that may be safely packaged.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have identified that your GloryBee Wintergreen Essential Oil is part of this recall, take comfort in knowing that the company has established a straightforward and customer-friendly remedy to resolve the issue. The primary goal here is not just to remove the unsafe product from your home, but to ensure that you are not out of pocket for the defect. GloryBee has committed to providing affected consumers with either a free child-resistant replacement cap or store credit. This approach is designed to be as convenient and low-friction as possible, recognizing that while safety is paramount, you should not have to bear the financial burden of correcting their packaging oversight.

To initiate this process, you have several accessible avenues for contact, all of which are provided directly by the manufacturer. You may call GloryBee toll-free at 888-240-4525. It is important to note the hours of operation for this line: they are available 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 order that might be easier to reference later, you can send an email to Adam.Bertrand@GloryBee.com. When composing this email, please ensure you include your full name and mailing address in the body of the message so they can verify your eligibility and ship the replacement item or credit appropriately.

Alternatively, if you prefer to navigate the process through their website, you can visit www.GloryBee.com. Once there, look for the section labeled “Recall - Important Safety Information.” This dedicated page should provide further guidance on how to proceed with your specific claim. Whether you choose the phone, email, or web portal, the key is simply to reach out and declare that you have a recalled item. There are no complex forms mentioned in the recall notice, nor are there strict deadlines specified in the facts provided, but acting promptly is always wise to ensure smooth processing.

The choice between a physical replacement cap and store credit likely depends on your personal preference and whether you intend to continue using this specific product. If you choose the cap, they will send you the safety hardware needed to make the bottle compliant with federal safety standards. If you opt for store credit, it can presumably be used toward other GloryBee products in the future. This flexibility is a positive aspect of the remedy, allowing you to decide what best fits your needs without being forced into a single solution.

Remember, the core objective of this remedy is safety compliance. By accepting the free cap or credit, you are effectively neutralizing the risk of accidental poisoning by children while maintaining your relationship with the brand on fair terms. Do not hesitate to use any of the provided contact methods if you have questions about the process; the company has set up these channels specifically to handle these inquiries efficiently.

What can happen if you ignore it

If you continue to keep the recalled GloryBee Wintergreen Essential Oil in an accessible location without taking immediate action, you are leaving a serious and preventable danger within reach of young children. The core issue here is not just that the bottle lacks child-resistant packaging, but what is inside it. This essential oil contains methyl salicylate, a substance that is highly concentrated and extremely toxic if ingested in even small amounts. Without the specialized cap designed to delay opening by a child, the bottle can be opened with ease, turning a simple household item into a potent poison source.

The consequences of ignoring this recall can be severe because methyl salicylate acts rapidly in the body. For young children, whose bodies are smaller and less able to process toxins, swallowing just a small sip from an improperly sealed bottle can lead to acute poisoning. This is not a minor upset stomach; it is a medical emergency. Symptoms of methyl salicylate poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), confusion, rapid breathing, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. Because the odor of wintergreen can be pleasant and fruity, a curious child might be drawn to taste it without realizing the danger, mistaking it for a sweet treat rather than a hazardous chemical.

While the CPSC recall notice states that no incidents have been reported at this time, the absence of reported injuries does not mean the risk is low. It simply means that, so far, luck has held. The hazard exists in every single bottle included in this recall because they all share the same non-compliant packaging. Every moment you delay addressing this is a moment your child or other household members are exposed to unnecessary risk. Ignoring the recall does not make the danger disappear; it only leaves the mechanism for poisoning fully functional and accessible.

Furthermore, the concentration of methyl salicylate in these oils means that the margin for error is virtually zero for a toddler. Adult skin can handle diluted versions of this compound, but ingestion bypasses the body’s natural barriers entirely. The toxicity is systemic, affecting multiple organ systems including the liver and kidneys. If an accidental ingestion were to occur, the time-sensitive nature of medical treatment for salicylate poisoning means that every minute counts. By ignoring the recall, you are not just risking a minor inconvenience; you are potentially risking a life-altering health crisis that could have been prevented with a simple cap replacement or store credit.

It is important to remember that this risk applies regardless of how careful you think you are. Children are unpredictable and agile. A bottle sitting on a counter, a shelf, or even in a cupboard that does not have a proper child-lock mechanism can be accessed by a determined toddler within seconds. The lack of a child-resistant cap removes the critical second line of defense that parents rely on. Therefore, the consequence of inaction is essentially gambling with safety, relying entirely on constant adult supervision to prevent access, which is an unsustainable and high-stakes strategy for long-term household safety.

Staying safe: broader tips

Essential oils are powerful, concentrated botanical extracts that offer wonderful benefits for aromatherapy, cleaning, and relaxation, but they demand a level of respect similar to household chemicals or medications. Because their potency is so high, even a small amount can be harmful if ingested or applied incorrectly. The most critical lesson from this recall is that "natural" does not automatically mean "safe" in the way we might expect. Methyl salicylate, found in wintergreen oil, acts similarly to aspirin in the body but is absorbed much more rapidly and efficiently through the skin and digestive system. This means that standard first-aid advice for minor irritations may not apply here. Always treat these products with the same caution you would give to liquid medication or strong cleaning agents.

Storage is your first line of defense against accidental poisoning, particularly in homes with young children or curious pets. Never store essential oils on countertops, open shelves, or in cabinets that are easily accessible to little hands. Instead, invest in child-resistant locking cabinets or high, locked storage areas that are completely out of sight and reach. It is also wise to keep the original packaging intact as long as possible, as it often contains vital safety information and dosage guidelines. If you must transfer oil to a different container for convenience, ensure that new container is clearly labeled with its contents and date of purchase, and never use food-grade containers like pickle jars or juice bottles, as this can lead to dangerous confusion later.

Proper ventilation and dilution are equally important for safe usage. Essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin without being diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, or almond oil, unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional. Inhaling concentrated vapors in an enclosed space can also cause respiratory irritation or headaches. Always use diffusers in well-ventilated rooms and limit sessions to short intervals. If you have asthma, allergies, or are pregnant, consult with your doctor before incorporating new essential oils into your routine, as some compounds can trigger adverse reactions.

Finally, stay informed about product safety by regularly checking official recall databases. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other federal agencies issue recalls when manufacturers discover defects or hazards that pose a risk to consumers. Signing up for email alerts from these agencies ensures you are notified immediately if a product you own is affected. You can also register your purchases with manufacturers, which often provides direct communication channels in case of safety updates. By staying vigilant and educated, you protect not only yourself but also your family and community from preventable accidents.

• Lock it up: Use child-proof locks or store oils in high, locked cabinets away from living areas.
• Dilute wisely: Never apply undiluted oil to skin; always mix with a carrier oil first.
• Ventilate: Use diffusers in open spaces and take breaks to ensure air quality remains safe.
• Label clearly: Keep original labels or use clear, distinct labeling if transferring to new containers.
• Stay updated: Subscribe to CPSC recall alerts to know about safety issues before they become emergencies.