A POPULAR children’s toy sold in Boots has been urgently recalled over fears it could pose a health risk to youngsters.
The issue affects a batch of See and Sound Giant Flashcards made by Orchard Toys and sold nationwide, including in Boots stores across the UK.
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The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the warning after confirming the batch poses a potential health risk.
The product is sold for around £10 and is aimed at babies and toddlers as a fun way to learn animal names and sounds.
The recall only applies to a specific batch — code SPHK/001622/132/16.01.25 — which can be found printed on the side of the packaging.
No other batch numbers are affected.
Parents and carers are being urged to check their toy boxes immediately.
Anyone who owns the flashcards should stop using them, take a photo of the batch code, and dispose of the item safely.
Those affected are entitled to a refund or digital credit voucher by contacting Orchard Toys directly.
You can phone 01953 423422 or visit their website here.
The OPSS said the risk is classed as low, but could be harmful to children or adults with weakened immune systems, lung conditions or mould allergies.
“The product presents a health risk as there may be mould present in the base of the product box.
“Mould may pose a health risk to individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or allergies,” the recall notice warned.
The flashcards come in a colourful rectangular box and feature cartoon animal characters.
They are part of a popular line of educational toys aimed at young children.
Orchard Toys confirmed the affected product does not meet the requirement of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, a set of rules designed to ensure childnren’s toys are safe to use.
The toy was manufactured int he UK and is not counterfeit.
Product recalls like this are issued when items pose a risk to health, even if the danger is only present in some batches or under certain conditions.
This comes just days after another recall involving toys sold online, including a remote-control car imported from China that contained unsafe chemical levels and posed a serious health risk.
If you have any concerns about a product you’ve bough for your child, you can check the official government product recalls and alerts page.
Safety experts advise parents to regularly inspect children’s toys for damage, strange smells, or any signs of mould, especially if they’ve been stored in damp areas.
Your product recall rights
Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know.
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, 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
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