Hundreds of toys available for purchase at Sainsbury’s and Argos have been identified as posing a significant choking hazard, prompting an urgent recall. Orchard Toys has announced the withdrawal of its Jungle Heads & Tails toy due to the “serious risk of choking” it presents. The recall was issued on Tuesday, just ahead of Christmas Day.
The Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) highlighted the concerns, stating that the toy includes an elephant with a cardboard disc in its nose that should have been removed during manufacturing. This disc is considered a small part and poses a choking hazard to young children, especially those under 36 months old who tend to explore objects by putting them in their mouths. Consequently, the product fails to meet the safety requirements outlined in the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
The Jungle Heads & Tails toy comprises 24 cards and features an elephant playing piece. OPSS confirmed that the product has been recalled from consumers, advising them to discontinue use immediately and store it out of reach of young children. Consumers are instructed to return the product to the distributor or Orchard Toys for appropriate action.
Sainsbury’s, in its recall notice, directed customers who purchased the affected product with the batch code SP/001639/058/17.03.25 to visit www.orchardtoys.com/jungleheadsnotice for replacement, credit voucher, or refund arrangements. Customers are instructed to retain the box flap with the batch code information and dispose of the product, or return it to Sainsbury’s for a full refund. It was clarified that only the specified batch is affected, with no impact on other batches or Orchard Toys branded items.