NY Lawmakers Call For New Packaging For Toxic Laundry Pods

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Two New York state lawmakers are calling for a state law to require new packaging for laundry detergent pods following the dangerous trend of people eating the toxic items.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas announced their proposal Tuesday. Both are New York City Democrats.

The lawmakers say the pods' bright colors, squishy texture and appealing smell can make them irresistible to young children or adults with dementia. They say the state could lessen the risk of poisonings by prohibiting packaging that makes the pods look like candy.

The "Tide Pods challenge'' is an internet trend showing people putting small laundry detergent pods in their mouths and posting videos eating them, often resulting in hospitalizations.

Proctor and Gamble, which owns Tide, recently launched a campaign to warn people away from eating the pods.

The dangerous internet trend inspired some eateries to create safer alternatives including pizza "Pied Pods" and "Tide Pod" doughnuts.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)