Rob Gronkowski tells everyone not to eat Tide Pods

Alysha Tsuji | USA TODAY

Something called the "Tide Pod Challenge" has been going viral online recently. It's extremely dangerous and involves people posting videos of themselves putting the toxic laundry detergent pods in their mouths and eating them.

In an effort to spread the word that the pods are not for eating, Tide got the help of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski to tell everyone, "What the heck is going on, people? Use Tide Pods for washing. Not eating. Do not eat."

What should Tide PODs be used for? DOING LAUNDRY. Nothing else.



Eating a Tide POD is a BAD IDEA, and we asked our friend @robgronkowski to help explain. pic.twitter.com/0JnFdhnsWZ — Tide (@tide) January 12, 2018

I’ve partnered with @Tide to make sure you know, Tide PODs are for doing laundry. Nothing else! https://t.co/Oo7n7ZZpbG — Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) January 13, 2018

There you have it: Do not eat Tide Pods because Gronk says so. But seriously, don't eat them.

The managing director of the Florida Poison Information Center in Tampa told USA TODAY that swallowing the detergent could result in a life-threatening situation, and that even putting a small amount in your mouth and spitting it out can cause diarrhea, vomiting or breathing difficulties.

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