A MAJOR retailer has urgently recalled a children’s toy over choking fears – warning shoppers to stop using it “immediately”.
John Lewis has been forced to pull the playset from shelves due to fears it could place babies and toddlers at risk.
According to the Office for Product Safety & Standards, the Wooden Roast Dinner Toy does not meet the required safety regulations.
The kitchen roleplay set includes a small wooden tray, wooden knife and small wooden items in the style of a classic roast dinner.
But officials confirmed the toy – which is manufactured in China – presents a choking hazard to kids under the age of three.
During vigorous play, the Velcro can detach quite easily, creating an even smaller part that some children might be tempted to put in their mouths.
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Issuing a statement, product standards said: “The product has been recalled from end users
“The product presents a risk of choking as the hook and loop fastening
(Velcro) can detach during reasonably foreseeable use, creating a small
part.
“These small parts pose a choking hazard to young children…
“… particularly those under 36 months of age who have a natural tendency to explore objects by placing them in their mouths.
“The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety)
Regulations 2011.”
Local Authority Trading Standards said the product was sold in John Lewis shops between September 3 and November 24 this year.
Shoppers have been urged to stop using the playset completely – and to keep it away from babies and toddlers.
Anyone who has purchased the toy – which features the product code 75610228 – can return it to any store for a full refund.
Last month, the retailer was forced to pull 2-seater and 3-seater slider sofas from shelves due to a potential fire risk.
The products, available in natural chenille and navy chenille fabrics, were sold between August 5, and October 30 this year.
According to the official product safety report, the sofas pose a fire risk because of a faulty button on the recliner mechanism.
This fault could cause the circuit board to overheat and malfunction, leading the recliner to stop working.
The products do not comply with the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016.
And this week, hundreds of toys sold at Sainsbury’s and Argos were urgently recalled due to a “serious” choking risk to children.
Orchard Toys pulled its Jungle Heads & Tails toy from shelves as small parts are accessible.
The decision to recall the popular product was made just days before Christmas.
It comes as Tesco urgently recalled a popular chocolate Christmas snack due to a potential health risk.
Shoppers have been urged to avoid packs of Free From Christmas Chocolate Flavoured Cupcakes over fears they may contain milk.
The supermarket giants have since pulled the sweet treat from shelves due to the undeclared allergen.
Issuing a statement, Tesco confirmed a recall had been issued for packs of the festive goodies on Monday – just three days before Christmas.
Your product recall rights
PRODUCT recalls are a crucial means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
If a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it’s often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as, if you don’t, there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.
