Office for Product Safety and Standards notifies recall of several children’s toys due to safety concerns

As parents and others stock up gifts for children ahead of Christmas, it is important to consider that some toys can pose risks to children, particularly products containing small parts. The following products have recently been recalled and delisted from online marketplace Etsy.

Baby garland rattle toy

This wooden beaded rattle toy has been identified as ‘presenting a high risk of choking’, and does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

During a product abuse test, a small wooden ring broke and produced small parts which fit into a small parts cylinder, presenting a hazard as these small parts could potentially be swallowed by a child.

The item is also insufficient as it is not labelled with manufacturer or importer details and is without relevant markings. Corrective measures have been taken, including a recall of the product from end users.

Wooden magnetic board game

A wooden fishing board game with magnetic pieces sold on Etsy has also been recalled. The product presents a high risk of choking due to the possibility of magnets becoming detached from the fishing rod and producing a small part. If a child were to swallow this part, it could block their airways.

Like the garland rattle toy, this product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

Kids fishing game

A magnetic wooden fishing toy with rod and seven separate pieces has been recalled due to risks posed to children including choking and injuries.

When tested, one small part (a magnet) produced from the wooden block on the fishing rod was found to have a magnetic flux of 227.4kG2mm2 which exceeds the allowed limit of 50 kG2mm2. This small, high-powered magnetic product could be easily swallowed and could have the potential to cause serious internal injuries within the gastrointestinal tract.

This product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, and OPSS has issued a Product Safety Alert for other small, high-powered magnetic products.

Philippa Wheeler, Associate in the Leigh Day personal injury team, said:

“With Christmas approaching, it is really important that people buying toys for little ones can be confident that they are safe. The OPSS plays an important role in monitoring potential safety risks to children. While the necessary corrective measures have been taken, it would be better if unsafe products were not be made available to consumers in the first place.

“I hope that going forward, manufacturers take more care when creating products aimed at children and babies to ensure that their safety is high priority.”