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Woman Buys Jeans From Abercrombie. Then She Finds a Literal ‘Biohazard’ in the Package: ‘Maybe Give Me More Than a 30% Off Coupon?’

white jeans (l) woman shares Abercrombie purchase issue (c) abercrombie and fitch storefront (r)

A TikToker bought a new pair of white jeans from Abercrombie and Fitch. When trying on the pants, she was horrified to find a used tampon in the pocket. The incident sparked debate online.

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Creator Jackie Obrien (@jackieobrien88) posted a video with over 917,900 views. She captioned the video: “I’m DISTURBED, I found a BIOHAZARD in my jeans.”

The viral video documented the aftermath of the unwanted surprise and the creator’s efforts to get a resolution.

What Did She Find Inside These Abercrombie Jeans?

The creator’s friend quickly started the video. Jackie’s friend said Jackie had been trying to contact Abercrombie.

Jackie stated that she came home after her purchase and simply tried on her new pair of pants. She noticed something in the pocket and stuck her hand in to investigate.

To her dismay, she pulled out a used tampon and applicator. She showed pictures of herself holding the questionable items. Then the video cut to Jackie on the phone with what appeared to be Abercrombie’s customer service.

On speakerphone, she explained the scenario and that it was her second attempt trying to get assistance.

Then, the video ended with a frustrated Jackie reiterating what happened.

“It was in someone’s vagina,” she forcefully stated.

Jackie said Abercrombie’s communication offered no solution.

“Oh yeah. Real silent when they’re selling items with literal biohazards and safety risks,” she angrily commented.

People Are Confused

The discovery confused many viewers.

“All jokes aside, who is putting their used tampon in a pair of jeans they’re trying on?” questioned one user.

Many were horrified that Jackie held the items for a lengthy time.

“Girl, don’t touch it,” said another.

Like Jackie, some were outraged by the potential health risk.

“Are you forreal? She deserves compensation at the very least. Thats a biohazard! Tf is wrong with you,” demanded another.

Are Used Tampons a Biohazard?

Jackie, along with many commenters, described the used tampon as a “biohazard”. 

However, expert opinion may differ. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines biohazard as disease-producing agents (pathogens) that can be transmitted to individuals through various routes of exposure (modes of transmission). Items considered biohazards must be discarded in a specifically controlled manner.

OSHA does not generally consider discarded feminine hygiene products to fall within the definition of biohazardous or medical regulated waste. The intended function of feminine products is to absorb and contain blood. This significantly decreases the risk of contamination.

OSHA classifies liquid blood as biohazardous waste. Used feminine hygiene products are not included under that designation.

Did Abercrombie Respond to the Video?

The company commented on the post: “Hey Jackie, we sent you a DM.” 

However, Jackie provided an update in the comments.

The company’s response disappointed Jackie. She wrote, “Oh the update so far is basically they sent me a 30% off coupon and said to wait 2-3 business days for an email.”

@jackieobrien88 @abercrombie & fitch IM DISTURBED I found a BIOHAZARD in my new jeans #fyp #abercrombie #help #tampon ♬ original sound – Jackie O

How Did the Tampon End up in the Pant Pocket?

Still, the mystery remained unanswered.

Yet, many commenters believed another customer had returned the jeans after trying them on.

Retailers have faced criticism for failures in return inspection and reselling used items as new.

For example, in a 2025 Mary Sue article, an Amazon customer repeatedly received used items sold as new. In her latest purchase, she received a pair of worn, dirty shoes.

While Jackie’s video raised health concerns, it sparked debate online and reignited concerns over retail return practices.

The Mary Sue contacted Abercrombie via email and Jackie O’Brien via TikTok direct message.

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Bio: Tiffanie Drayton is a writer and author of Black American Refugee: Escaping the Narcissism of the American Dream. Her essays on race, identity, and the American experience have appeared in The New York Times and other national and digital publications. She writes news and cultural commentary across magazines and online platforms.