What was recalled
If you have been using essential oils for aromatherapy or home fragrance recently, specifically within the last few years, there is a good chance you may have one of the products currently under recall by B&B Acquisition. This voluntary safety action, reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on November 20, 2019, targets specific batches of essential oil bottles that failed to meet federal safety standards for child-resistant packaging. While the brand name associated with the manufacturer is B&B Acquisition, the products you would find in your home are sold under the consumer-facing label "Airome." It is important to look closely at the front of your bottle to confirm whether it falls into this specific recall category, as the issue is tied to particular formulations and packaging configurations rather than the entire brand line.
The recall specifically covers two distinct types of 100% pure essential oils. The first is Airome Wintergreen, which is marketed with the descriptor "Stimulate" on its label. This product was available both as a standalone item in 0.5-fluid-ounce and 0.34-fluid-ounce sizes, as well as being included within a larger "Focus & Concentrate Essential Oil Gift Set" that contained three bottles. The second product involved is Airome Deep Soothe, labeled with the descriptor "Cool," which was sold exclusively in 0.5-fluid-ounce amber glass dropper bottles. Both of these products are packaged in amber glass to protect the oil from light degradation and feature a black cap on top of a blue label that clearly identifies the product name and its intended effect.
To determine if your specific bottle is part of this recall, you must check the bottom of the gift box or individual packaging for a unique Universal Product Code (UPC). The recall affects bottles with any of the following three UPC codes printed on the bottom: 83324503131, 833245034567, or 833245035977. These items were sold at various retail locations across the United States, though the recall notice does not specify a particular store chain or online platform, meaning they could have been purchased through general e-commerce sites, specialty health stores, or gift shops. The critical factor is not just the brand, but the specific combination of the Airome label, the black cap on an otherwise standard dropper bottle, and the matching UPC code that indicates the absence of a child-resistant mechanism.
The reason these specific items are being pulled from shelves and homes is that they were sold without the mandatory child-resistant cap. Under normal circumstances, methyl salicylate, the active ingredient in wintergreen oil which gives it its characteristic scent and therapeutic properties, is considered hazardous if ingested by young children. Federal law requires such substances to be packaged in containers that are difficult for children under five years old to open. Because these Airome bottles lacked this specialized safety feature, they posed a significant risk of accidental poisoning. If you identify your product by the UPC codes mentioned above, it is no longer considered safe for use in households with young children until the remedy provided by the manufacturer is applied.
The hazard, explained
To understand why this recall is necessary, it helps to look closely at what is actually inside the bottle and how the law protects us from it. The recalled Airome Wintergreen essential oils contain a substance called methyl salicylate. While this compound gives wintergreen its distinct, sweet scent and is commonly found in many household products like chewing gums, toothpastes, and topical pain-relief creams, it is also highly concentrated in these specific bottles. Methyl salicylate is chemically related to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), but the key difference lies in the dosage and delivery method. In a typical tube of ointment or a piece of gum, the amount of methyl salicylate is carefully measured to be safe for occasional adult use. However, in a 0.5-ounce bottle of pure essential oil, that same chemical is packed into a tiny volume with no dilution.
The physical mechanism of harm here is deceptively simple: ingestion. When a young child manages to open the non-child-resistant cap and swallow even a small amount of this undiluted oil, their body absorbs the methyl salicylate rapidly through the stomach lining. Unlike adults, whose livers are more efficient at processing and breaking down toxins, a small child’s metabolic system is still developing. It cannot process a large bolus of salicylates quickly enough to prevent them from building up in the bloodstream to toxic levels.
This leads to a condition known as salicylate poisoning. The danger is not just immediate irritation; it is a systemic disruption of the body’s chemistry. Methyl salicylate interferes with the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, pH balance, and energy production at the cellular level. In severe cases, this can cause rapid breathing, confusion, seizures, coma, and even death. The Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) exists specifically because of these physiological realities. It mandates that products containing significant amounts of salicylates must be in special child-resistant packaging not to inconvenience consumers, but because the margin for error is so thin. A single capful can contain enough methyl salicylate to kill a small child. The absence of that specialized barrier in the recalled bottles removes the last line of defense against accidental ingestion.
It is important to clarify that this risk is not about the scent itself being poisonous through inhalation. The hazard is strictly tied to the physical act of swallowing the liquid. However, because essential oils are potent and can be mistaken for candy or juice by curious toddlers, the lack of a tamper-evident, child-resistant seal creates a high-probability scenario for accidental exposure. The recall addresses this gap by ensuring that every bottle eventually has the proper safety cap installed, effectively neutralizing the hazard by making it physically difficult for a child to access the toxic substance.
Who is most at risk
The primary individuals at serious risk from this recall are young children, particularly those under the age of five. While essential oils are often marketed as natural and gentle alternatives to synthetic chemicals, the specific hazard here lies in the chemical composition of the Wintergreen oil rather than its general "natural" status. The recalled Airome products contain methyl salicylate, a compound that is chemically very similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid). For adults, small topical applications are generally safe, but for toddlers and infants, even a tiny amount of this substance can be dangerous if ingested. Children in this age group are naturally curious and lack the cognitive ability to understand that a liquid in a dropper bottle is not a treat or a juice. They may grab the bottle out of sight, taste it because it smells sweet or minty, or have it spilled on their hands and later put their fingers in their mouths.
The danger is compounded by the fact that these bottles were sold without child-resistant caps. Standard child-resistant packaging is designed to require a specific dexterity and strength combination—typically involving pushing down while turning—that most children under five cannot yet master. Without this barrier, the bottle is essentially an open invitation for exploration. A small child can easily unscrew the standard black cap, pour the oil into their mouth, or spill it on themselves. Because the volume of these bottles is small (0.34 to 0.5 fluid ounces), a child could consume a significant portion of the contents in a single incident, leading to a rapid onset of toxicity.
Elderly individuals or those with certain medical conditions also face heightened vulnerability, though for slightly different reasons. Methyl salicylate can cause salicylate poisoning, which affects the central nervous system and metabolic balance. Older adults may be more sensitive to these effects, especially if they are already taking other medications that contain salicylates, such as certain pain relievers or anti-inflammatories. The cumulative effect of accidental exposure while managing chronic conditions could lead to severe health complications, including nausea, vomiting, confusion, and in extreme cases, respiratory failure. Additionally, anyone with a known allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs should be extremely cautious, as cross-reactivity is possible.
Parents, caregivers, and pet owners are also indirectly at risk because they bear the responsibility of managing this hazard. The stress of discovering that a potentially toxic product is within reach requires immediate action. Pet owners should note that cats and dogs are even more sensitive to essential oils than humans; their livers lack the enzymes necessary to break down many compounds found in methyl salicylate, making accidental ingestion or topical absorption potentially fatal for animals as well. Therefore, keeping these bottles out of reach is not just a precaution for children but a critical safety measure for all household members and pets.
- Young Children: High risk due to curiosity, lack of understanding, and small body mass which makes even tiny doses toxic.
- Elderly or Medically Vulnerable Individuals: Increased sensitivity to salicylate toxicity and potential interactions with other medications.
- Pets: Cats and dogs are highly susceptible to essential oil toxicity; ingestion can be life-threatening.
If you have any of these individuals or pets in your home, treat this recall as an urgent matter. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. The absence of reported incidents so far does not mean the risk is low; it simply means no one has yet been harmed. Your vigilance today prevents potential tragedy tomorrow.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your essential oil bottles are part of this specific recall requires a careful inspection of several distinct physical characteristics. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified that the affected products come exclusively from the brand Airome, which is distributed by B&B Acquisition. If your bottles do not bear the Airome branding, they are not part of this particular safety notice. To confirm you have one of the recalled items, you need to look for two specific product lines: Wintergreen 100% Pure Essential Oil Stimulate and Deep Soothe 100% Pure Essential Oil Cool. It is crucial to verify that these are marketed as "100% pure" essential oils, as other formulations or synthetic blends from different brands are not included in this recall.
The packaging design is the next critical clue. Both recalled varieties are contained in amber glass dropper bottles. This amber color is designed to protect the oil from light degradation, but for identification purposes, it serves as a key visual marker. The most distinctive feature of these bottles is their cap: you must look for a black cap on top of the dropper. Alongside the bottle, check the label, which should be blue. The text printed on the front of the blue label will clearly state either "Airome Wintergreen 100% Pure Essential Oil Stimulate" or "Airome Deep Soothe 100% Pure Essential Oil Cool." If the label is a different color or lacks this specific wording, the product is likely not part of this recall.
Size matters in this identification process. The recalled Wintergreen oil comes in two sizes: 0.5-fluid-ounce and 0.34-fluid-ounce. The Deep Soothe variant is specifically noted as being sold in a 0.5-fluid-ounce bottle. If your bottle differs significantly from these measurements, it may not be affected. Furthermore, check how the product was originally packaged. These bottles were often sold inside gift boxes. Look at the bottom of that box for a Universal Product Code (UPC). The recall affects items with one of the following unique UPC codes printed on the bottom: 83324503131, 833245034567, or 833245035977. Additionally, be aware that the Wintergreen oil was sometimes sold as part of a 3-pack set labeled "Focus & Concentrate Essential Oil Gift Set." If you have this set and it contains the black-capped, blue-labeled bottles described above, it is included in the recall.
Remember, the core issue here is not the quality of the oil, but the lack of child-resistant packaging on these specific amber glass bottles. By systematically checking the brand name, bottle color, cap color, label text, volume size, and UPC codes, you can definitively determine if your product needs to be addressed.
What to do — step by step
If you own any of the recalled Airome essential oil bottles, your first and most critical action is to stop using the product immediately for its intended purpose. While these oils may be wonderful for aromatherapy or massage when handled with care, the specific hazard here is not the oil itself, but the way it is packaged. Because the bottles lack the mandatory child-resistant caps required by law for products containing methyl salicylate, they present a direct and serious risk of accidental poisoning if a young child manages to open them and swallow the contents. Therefore, do not leave these bottles on countertops, in bathrooms, or in any area where children might wander alone. Your immediate goal is to remove the temptation and access entirely. Next, you need to physically secure the product. Please take the recalled bottles and store them in a location that is completely out of the reach of children. This does not necessarily mean you must throw them away right now, but it does mean they must be moved from their current spot to a high shelf, a locked cabinet, or another secure area where no child can get to them. This step is vital because it bridges the gap between recognizing the hazard and getting the permanent fix. By moving the bottles to a safe place immediately, you effectively neutralize the risk of poisoning while you arrange for the remedy. Remember, methyl salicylate is highly concentrated, and even small amounts can be dangerous for young children, so treating this with urgency is the right approach. Once the product is safely stored, your next step is to contact B&B Acquisition to arrange for your free replacement cap. The company has acknowledged the defect in their packaging and is offering a solution that allows you to keep using your essential oil safely. You can reach them by calling 800-262-2305 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication, you may send an email to info@airome.com. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.airome.com and look for the “Recall Information” section to find detailed instructions on how to request your free child-resistant cap. This remedy is designed to be simple and cost-free, ensuring that you do not have to buy a new bottle or discard a usable product due to a packaging oversight. Finally, follow the specific instructions provided by B&B Acquisition when you contact them. They will guide you through the process of receiving the correct child-resistant cap for your specific bottle size (either 0.5-ounce or 0.34-ounce). Once you receive the new cap, install it securely on the bottle. This simple action transforms a potentially hazardous item into a safe one that complies with federal safety standards. By taking these steps—stopping use, securing the item, and contacting the manufacturer—you are not only protecting your own household but also ensuring that the product meets the safety expectations set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. There is no need to panic, but there is a clear need for prompt action to ensure your family’s safety.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you own one of the recalled B&B Acquisition essential oil bottles, the good news is that the company has established a straightforward and cost-free remedy to resolve the safety issue. You do not need to return the original glass bottle to them, nor are you required to pay any shipping fees or restocking charges. Instead, the primary fix offered by B&B Acquisition is a free replacement child-resistant cap. This specific component is the critical piece that brings the product into compliance with federal safety standards, effectively neutralizing the poisoning risk identified in this recall. By simply attaching this new cap to your existing bottle, you can continue to use the essential oil safely without having to discard the product entirely.
To obtain this replacement cap, you must take proactive steps to contact B&B Acquisition directly through their designated consumer support channels. The most immediate way to initiate this process is by calling their toll-free customer service line at 800-262-2305. It is important to note that this phone line operates on a specific schedule, so you will need to plan your call during their business hours, which are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer written communication or if the phone lines are busy, you may also reach out via email at info@airome.com. When contacting them by either method, clearly state that you have a recalled Airome essential oil product and wish to request your free child-resistant cap.
For those who prefer digital convenience, B&B Acquisition has also set up an online portal for this recall. You can visit their website at www.airome.com and navigate to the “Recall Information” section. This page should provide additional details on how to proceed with your claim and may offer further instructions on how the replacement cap will be shipped to you. Whether you choose to call, email, or browse online, keep in mind that the recall was announced on November 20, 2019, so it is advisable to act promptly to ensure your household remains protected against accidental ingestion by children.
In summary, your options are limited to this specific remedy: obtaining the free child-resistant cap. The company is not offering refunds or full replacements of the bottle in this recall action, but rather a targeted fix that allows you to keep your product safe. By following these steps and utilizing the contact information provided, you can quickly resolve the issue and ensure that the methyl salicylate contained within the oil remains securely sealed away from young children.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a product recall involves essential oils and child-resistant packaging, the stakes are significantly higher than with many other consumer goods. The Wintergreen essential oil recalled by B&B Acquisition contains methyl salicylate, a substance that is chemically related to aspirin but is far more concentrated and potent in its pure form. Ignoring this recall means leaving a highly toxic substance within easy reach of young children who may not understand the danger. The primary risk here is acute poisoning, which can occur rapidly if a child swallows even a small amount of the liquid. Because the bottles were sold without the mandatory child-resistant caps, there is no physical barrier to prevent a curious toddler or infant from accessing the contents.
Methyl salicylate is absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes quickly, but ingestion poses the most immediate threat. In young children, whose bodies are smaller and whose metabolic systems are still developing, the margin for error is extremely thin. A dose that might cause mild discomfort in an adult could lead to severe toxicity in a child. The symptoms of methyl salicylate poisoning can escalate rapidly and include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures or coma. Because the recalled Airome Wintergreen oil is 100% pure, the concentration of this toxic agent is high enough to cause serious harm with just a few drops ingested.
While the CPSC report notes that no incidents have been reported to date at the time of this recall, the absence of reported cases does not mean the risk is negligible. It simply means that, fortunately, no one has yet suffered the consequences. Relying on luck is never a sound safety strategy. If you continue to keep these bottles in your home without taking action, you are essentially gambling with the safety of any child who might explore your cabinets or shelves. Children are naturally curious and often mimic adult behaviors; they may see the dropper bottle and attempt to use it, unaware that the liquid inside is not a toy or a harmless treat.
Furthermore, ignoring the recall denies you the opportunity to secure the product properly. The remedy offered—a free replacement child-resistant cap—is designed specifically to create a barrier that requires advanced motor skills to open, skills that young children have not yet developed. Without this cap, or if you choose to store the bottle in an inaccessible location indefinitely, you are left with a hazardous item that offers no benefit and only potential danger. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe for your children is worth far more than the inconvenience of contacting B&B Acquisition. Do not wait for a tragedy to underscore the importance of this recall. Act now to eliminate the risk entirely.