A popular pain-relieving ointment sold nationwide at Target and Walmart has been recalled after federal regulators determined that its packaging does not meet child safety requirements, posing a serious poisoning risk to young children. The recall, announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), affects more than 50,000 containers of Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment distributed across the United States.
The recall highlights ongoing concerns about product packaging compliance and child safety, particularly when medications or topical products contain active ingredients that can be dangerous if accidentally ingested. In this case, the ointment contains lidocaine, a widely used local anesthetic that can be hazardous to children when swallowed.
Why the Product Was Recalled
According to the CPSC, Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment was sold in packaging that fails to comply with the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA). Under federal law, products containing certain potentially toxic substances—including lidocaine—must be sold in child-resistant packaging designed to reduce the risk of accidental poisoning.
Regulators found that the ointment was packaged with a noncompliant continuous thread lid, meaning the container can be easily opened by a child. This design flaw significantly increases the risk that young children could access and ingest the ointment, potentially leading to serious injury or even death.
“The packaging poses a risk of serious injury or death from poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children,” the CPSC stated in its recall notice.
Details of the Recalled Product
The recall applies specifically to Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment sold in a 3.52-ounce jar. Approximately 50,330 containers are affected.
The product was sold nationwide at Walmart and Target retail locations, as well as online at Target.com. Sales occurred over an extended period, from April 2024 through October 2025, with the ointment typically priced at around $10.
The recalled ointment was distributed by Plantimex Distributors Inc., which is now working with federal regulators to address the safety issue.
The Risks of Lidocaine Exposure in Children
Lidocaine is commonly used in medical and over-the-counter products to relieve pain by numbing tissue. While it is generally safe when used as directed by adults, accidental ingestion can be dangerous, especially for young children.
According to the National Capital Poison Control Center, swallowing lidocaine can cause numbness in the mouth and throat. This numbness may interfere with a child’s ability to swallow properly, increasing the risk of choking or airway obstruction. Ingestion can also lead to other serious health complications depending on the amount consumed and the child’s size and age.
Because of these risks, federal law requires strict packaging standards to help prevent children from accessing products that contain lidocaine or similar substances.
What Consumers Should Do
Consumers who have purchased Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment are urged to take immediate precautions. The CPSC advises storing the recalled ointment securely, out of the reach and sight of children, until a replacement lid is obtained.
Importantly, the recall does not require consumers to return the product or dispose of the ointment itself. Instead, Plantimex Distributors Inc. is providing a free replacement lid that meets child-resistant safety standards.
Customers can request a replacement lid at no cost through several methods:
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Calling Plantimex toll-free at 855-752-6869 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time)
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Emailing customercare@plantimexusa.com with the subject line “RECALL”
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Visiting the company’s website for recall information and instructions
Until the child-resistant lid is installed, consumers are strongly encouraged to keep the ointment in a locked cabinet or another secure location inaccessible to children.
Retailers and Consumer Safety Oversight
Major retailers such as Walmart and Target routinely work with manufacturers and regulators to remove recalled products from store shelves and online marketplaces once a recall is announced. While the affected ointment is no longer being sold, safety officials emphasize that recalls rely heavily on consumer awareness, especially when products may already be in homes.
The CPSC plays a central role in monitoring consumer products and enforcing safety standards in the United States. When violations of federal safety laws are identified—such as failure to use child-resistant packaging—the agency can issue recalls, fines, or other enforcement actions to protect the public.
A Broader Reminder About Child-Resistant Packaging
This recall serves as a broader reminder of the importance of child-resistant packaging for household products, medications, and topical treatments. While child-resistant does not mean child-proof, such packaging is designed to significantly reduce the likelihood of accidental ingestion by young children.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to regularly review how medications and topical products are stored in their homes. Even products marketed as “natural” or “topical” can pose serious risks if swallowed. Experts recommend keeping all potentially hazardous products in locked cabinets and avoiding leaving them on countertops, nightstands, or in purses where children can easily access them.
What to Do in Case of Exposure
If a child is suspected of ingesting lidocaine or any potentially harmful substance, caregivers should seek immediate medical advice. In the United States, poison control centers are available to provide guidance in emergency situations and can help determine the appropriate next steps.
While the recall notice emphasizes prevention, health officials stress that quick action in the event of exposure can make a critical difference.
Accountability and Next Steps
Plantimex Distributors Inc. has stated that it is cooperating with regulators and taking steps to correct the packaging issue by offering compliant replacement lids. The recall underscores the responsibility of manufacturers and distributors to ensure that products meet all applicable safety regulations before reaching store shelves.
For consumers, the incident highlights the importance of paying attention to recall announcements and acting promptly when safety issues are identified. With products sold over many months and across major retailers, recalled items can remain in homes long after sales have ended.
Staying Informed
The CPSC regularly publishes recall notices for consumer products ranging from food items to electronics, toys, and medications. Consumers can stay informed by checking the agency’s website or signing up for recall alerts.
As this recall demonstrates, even widely available products sold by trusted retailers can present unexpected risks if safety standards are not met. By staying informed and taking recommended precautions, consumers can help protect their families—especially young children—from preventable injuries.
For now, officials urge anyone who purchased Mamisan Pain Relieving Topical Ointment to secure the product immediately and request a free child-resistant replacement lid, reinforcing a simple but vital message: when it comes to child safety, packaging matters.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
