What was recalled
In October 2018, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving products sold under the brand name UberScientific. Specifically, this action targeted two distinct forms of their popular topical anesthetic line: the Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream and the Uber Numb Spray. These items are commonly used by individuals seeking temporary pain relief for minor cuts, scrapes, insect bites, or other skin irritations. While the products function as intended to numb the area, the recall was necessitated not by a failure of the medication itself, but by a critical oversight in how the product is packaged and secured for the consumer.
The scope of this recall covers specific batches of both the cream and the spray, identified by precise packaging details that consumers can check to determine if their item is part of the affected group. The recalled Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream comes in a white jar featuring a smooth, rounded cap and a green label clearly printed with "Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream" on the front. This product was available in three different sizes: one ounce, two ounces, and four ounces. To identify if you have a recalled cream, you must look at the bottom of the white jar for the lot number and check the left side of the label next to the product name for the UPC number. The brand name UberScientific is printed on the label below the net weight information.
Similarly, the recalled Uber Numb Spray is contained in a green bottle topped with a white cap. It features a white label with "Uber Numb Spray" printed on the front. This specific spray was only sold in a four-ounce size. To verify if your spray is included in this recall, you need to find the lot number printed on the bottom of the bottle and locate the UPC number on the right side of the label next to the product name. The brand name UberScientific appears on the label to the left of the product name.
The specific units subject to this recall are defined by a combination of these UPC numbers, lot numbers, and sizes. For the one-ounce cream, the affected UPC is 00863255000306 with lot numbers A23Z3 and F12Z5. The two-ounce cream includes UPC 00863255000344 with lot numbers L06Z2A, L06Z2B, and B01N2A. The four-ounce cream has UPC 0083255000313 and lot numbers E10Z4, L06Z2, and B01N2. For the spray, the affected UPC is 00850777008002 with lot numbers K30Z6 and B09N2. These products were sold through various channels, but the key identifier remains the physical packaging and the printed codes on the bottom of the container.
The hazard, explained
At the heart of this recall is a seemingly small but critical failure in packaging design: the containers for UberScientific’s Uber Numb products do not meet the mandatory child-resistant closure requirements set by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. To understand why this matters so much, it helps to look at how these products work and what happens when that protection is missing. The Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream and Spray contain lidocaine, a powerful local anesthetic that works by blocking nerve signals in the skin to stop pain. While effective for adults using it as directed, lidocaine is a potent drug that can be dangerous if it enters the body in uncontrolled amounts.
The primary danger arises from the fact that standard packaging allows young children, who are naturally curious and may not recognize chemical products as hazardous, to open the jars and bottles with ease. When a child gains access to the cream or spray, they can easily apply it to their own skin or, more alarmingly, ingest it by licking or swallowing the substance. Unlike adult medication which might be in blister packs or specialized safety caps, these recalled items come in white jars with smooth, rounded caps and green bottles with white caps that offer no significant barrier to a child’s hands or mouth.
If lidocaine is absorbed through the skin in large quantities or swallowed, it can lead to systemic poisoning. The body processes lidocaine differently than many over-the-counter pain relievers, and excessive exposure can overwhelm the central nervous system. Symptoms of lidocaine poisoning can include dizziness, confusion, seizures, difficulty breathing, and irregular heartbeat. Because young children have smaller bodies and developing organ systems, they are far more sensitive to these effects than adults. A dose that might be harmless or manageable for an adult could cause severe toxicity in a toddler.
The risk is compounded by the nature of topical anesthetics. They are designed to penetrate the skin barrier to reach nerve endings. If a child applies the cream repeatedly over a large area of their body, or if they ingest the spray, the concentration of lidocaine in their bloodstream can rise rapidly. There have been no reported incidents of injury from these specific products as of the recall date, but the potential for harm is real and significant. The lack of a child-resistant seal means that the product’s safety features rely entirely on adult supervision, which, while important, is not a foolproof barrier against accidental exposure. This recall highlights the importance of regulatory standards designed to prevent such accidents before they happen, ensuring that dangerous substances are physically inaccessible to those who cannot understand their risks.
Who is most at risk
While this recall from UberScientific affects anyone who purchased the specific lots of their Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream or Spray, the primary group at serious risk are young children, particularly those under the age of five. The core issue here is not just that the product exists, but that its packaging fails to meet the strict child-resistant closure requirements mandated by the Poison Prevention Packaging Act. For a household with curious toddlers, this distinction is critical. Children in this age group naturally explore their environment by touching, tasting, and putting objects in their mouths. If the cap on the cream jar or the spray bottle can be opened easily by a small hand, a child can access the contents without any adult supervision.
The danger stems from the active ingredient: lidocaine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking nerve signals in the body. While it is safe and effective for adults when used as directed on intact skin, it becomes highly toxic if ingested or absorbed through the skin in large quantities by a small body. A young child’s body mass is significantly lower than an adult’s, meaning even a small amount of lidocaine can lead to a dangerous concentration in their bloodstream. If a child were to ingest the cream or spray, they could experience symptoms of poisoning such as dizziness, confusion, seizures, or difficulty breathing. The risk is compounded by the fact that the product is often used for minor pain relief, meaning it may be stored in easily accessible places like bathroom cabinets or nightstands where children can reach them.
Elderly individuals who rely on these products for chronic pain management also face a secondary risk, though not from poisoning. Their vulnerability lies in the potential for accidental misuse if they are confused by packaging issues or if they inadvertently leave the product accessible to grandchildren or caregivers who might not realize the recall status. Furthermore, older adults may have thinner skin, which can alter how quickly and deeply topical anesthetics are absorbed, potentially leading to unexpected side effects even with standard adult use. However, the immediate, acute physical threat described in this CPSC recall is overwhelmingly directed at young children due to their behavioral tendencies and physiological sensitivity to lidocaine toxicity.
It is also worth noting that anyone using these products for extensive body areas or under occlusive dressings (which trap heat and increase absorption) increases the overall exposure risk. While this applies to all users, it is especially concerning for parents who might apply the cream to a child’s skin without realizing the packaging hazard remains until they act on the recall instructions. The combination of accessible packaging and a potent chemical agent creates a scenario where a simple moment of inattention can lead to a medical emergency.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Verifying whether your Uber Numb product is part of this specific recall requires a careful, methodical inspection of both the container’s physical appearance and the critical data printed on its label. Because the hazard stems from packaging that fails to meet child-resistant standards, the visual cues of the bottle or jar are your first line of defense. You need to locate the product and compare it against the precise descriptions provided by UberScientific and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Start by identifying whether you possess the cream or the spray, as their packaging designs are distinctly different.
If you have the Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream, look for a white jar topped with a smooth, rounded cap. The label on this container will be green and prominently display the words "Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream" on the front. Below the product name, you should see the brand name UberScientific printed just under the net weight information. To confirm if your specific jar is included in the recall, you must check two specific locations for identifying codes. First, look at the bottom of the white jar for the lot number. Second, look at the green label to the left of the product name for the UPC (Universal Product Code) number. The recalled cream was sold in 1-ounce, 2-ounce, and 4-ounce sizes. You must cross-reference the UPC and lot numbers below with your item:
- 1 oz. Cream: UPC 00863255000306 with lot numbers A23Z3 or F12Z5.
- 2 oz. Cream: UPC 00863255000344 with lot numbers L06Z2A, L06Z2B, or B01N2A.
- 4 oz. Cream: UPC 0083255000313 with lot numbers E10Z4, L06Z2, or B01N2.
If you have the Uber Numb Spray, the packaging will look quite different. You should be holding a green bottle equipped with a white cap. The label on this spray is white and reads "Uber Numb Spray" on the front. Similar to the cream, check the bottom of the green bottle for the lot number. Then, examine the white label to the right of the product name for the UPC number. This recalled spray was only sold in a four-ounce size. It is included in the recall if your item has UPC 00850777008002 and carries either lot number K30Z6 or B09N2.
It is crucial to check both the UPC and the lot number, as manufacturers often produce similar-looking items with different batches. If your product matches the descriptions above but the lot numbers do not match exactly, it may be a safe, non-recalled version. However, if you are unsure or cannot find these codes clearly printed, err on the side of caution. Do not attempt to open or use the product until you have verified its status. When in doubt, contact UberScientific directly using the toll-free number provided in the recall notice to confirm whether your specific batch is affected.
What to do — step by step
If you own any of the recalled UberScientific products, please take a moment to stop what you are doing and follow these steps carefully. The goal here is simple: keep your family safe and get your money back or a safer product without any hassle. We know that dealing with recalls can feel like a chore, but this process is designed to be straightforward and free for you. First and foremost, immediately remove the recalled item from your home or place it in a location that is completely out of reach of children. This is not just a suggestion; it is the most critical safety measure available right now. Because the packaging lacks the required child-resistant closure, young children could easily open the jar or bottle. If they ingest the lidocaine cream or spray, or if they get it on their skin in large amounts, it poses a serious risk of poisoning. Please do not use the product anymore until you have received instructions from the manufacturer. Even if you think your children are old enough to understand not to touch it, accidental exposure is too dangerous to risk. Store the item in a high cabinet or a locked box temporarily while you arrange for the remedy. Next, gather your recalled product and locate the specific details we mentioned earlier. You will need the lot number printed on the bottom of the container and the UPC number from the label. Having this information ready will speed up the process significantly when you contact UberScientific. It helps them verify exactly which batch you have and ensures you receive the correct remedy without unnecessary back-and-forth questions. Now, reach out to UberScientific directly. You can call their toll-free number at 877-289-1367 at any time of day or night, as they offer 24/7 support for this recall. Alternatively, you can visit their website at www.uberscientific.com and click on the “Recall Information” link. When you contact them, clearly state that you have one of the recalled items and provide the lot and UPC numbers. Ask specifically about your options: a free replacement cap if you have the cream, or a free replacement cream with a new child-resistant cap (or a full refund) if you have the spray. Be patient but persistent if needed. The company is obligated to provide these remedies free of charge. Do not throw the product away before speaking with them, as they may need proof of purchase or the physical item for verification. Keep any confirmation numbers or emails they send you until the process is fully complete. By following these steps, you are not only protecting your household from potential harm but also ensuring you receive the proper compensation or safer replacement that you are entitled to under this recall.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that you possess one of the recalled UberScientific products, the good news is that the company has established a clear and accessible remedy to make things right. The CPSC recall notice confirms that consumers are entitled to either a free replacement product or a full refund. However, the specific options available to you depend entirely on whether you purchased the cream or the spray version of the Uber Numb topical anesthetic. It is important not to simply throw these items in the trash, as doing so does not resolve the safety issue and may leave the hazardous lidocaine-containing product accessible to others. Instead, you need to take a few deliberate steps to claim your remedy.
First, you must contact UberScientific directly to initiate the process. The company has provided a toll-free number that is available anytime at 877-289-1367. You can also visit their website at www.uberscientific.com and navigate to the “Recall Information” section for additional details. When you reach out to them, be prepared to provide specific identifying information about your product to ensure they process your claim correctly. This will include the lot numbers, which are printed on the bottom of the container, and the UPC number found on the label. Having this information ready will help the customer service team verify that your item is part of the recall batch and expedite your resolution.
If you own the recalled Uber Numb Topical Anesthetic Cream, you have two distinct choices regarding your remedy. You can request a free replacement cap that is child-resistant, which allows you to keep using your current jar safely. Alternatively, if you prefer not to continue using the product or simply want a fresh start, you may opt for a full refund. This option is particularly useful if you have already opened the jar and are concerned about any potential contamination or simply wish to switch brands entirely.
If you possess the recalled Uber Numb Spray, your options are slightly different but equally generous. You can choose to receive a free replacement cream that comes with the new, compliant child-resistant cap. This is often a practical choice if you want to transition from a spray to a cream format without purchasing anything new. The other option for spray owners is to request a full refund. In either case, UberScientific covers the cost of shipping and any associated fees, ensuring that you are not out of pocket for their packaging oversight. Remember, the goal here is safety, so take advantage of these no-cost remedies to secure your home and family.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is completely understandable to feel hesitant about discarding a product you have already purchased, especially one that is meant to provide relief. You might think that as long as the item is sitting on a shelf in your bathroom or bedroom, it poses no immediate threat. However, ignoring this recall carries a specific and serious risk that stems directly from the failure of the packaging to meet federal safety standards. The core issue here is not necessarily the cream or spray itself, which are effective topical anesthetics containing lidocaine when used correctly, but rather the fact that the container does not prevent young children from accessing it.
Lidocaine is a powerful medication that numbs nerve endings in the skin. When applied to an adult’s skin in small amounts as directed, it is generally safe. But for a toddler or a young child, the margin for error is incredibly thin. If a child manages to open the jar or bottle because the cap lacks a child-resistant mechanism, they might rub the cream on their own skin, leading to accidental absorption of a dangerous dose. More alarmingly, children are naturally curious and may put their fingers in the container and then into their mouths, ingesting the substance entirely. This is not a hypothetical scenario; it is the exact type of poisoning event that the Poison Prevention Packaging Act was designed to prevent.
The consequences of this exposure can be severe. Ingesting or absorbing too much lidocaine can lead to systemic toxicity, affecting the central nervous system and the heart. Symptoms in children can progress rapidly from dizziness and lethargy to seizures, difficulty breathing, and even cardiac arrest. Because young bodies process medications differently than adults, a small amount that seems harmless to an adult could be life-threatening to a child. While the CPSC notes that no incidents have been reported for this specific batch yet, the potential for tragedy is high precisely because the barrier to access is so weak.
By ignoring the recall, you are leaving your home less safe without gaining any benefit. The product offers no additional value if it cannot be stored securely. Continuing to use or keep the recalled items in your home effectively turns a pain-relief product into a potential poison source for anyone who visits or lives with you. The risk is not just about the chemical itself, but about the lack of protection against accidental exposure. Taking the time to dispose of or replace these items removes this hazard entirely, ensuring that your home remains a safe environment for everyone, particularly the most vulnerable among us.
- Accidental Ingestion: Children may eat the cream or spray, leading to internal poisoning.
- Skin Absorption: Rubbing the product on a child’s skin can cause dangerous levels of lidocaine to enter their bloodstream.
- Systemic Toxicity: Severe exposure can result in seizures, heart problems, or breathing difficulties.