John Lewis has issued an urgent recall for a popular wooden toy kitchen set, warning parents it presents a serious choking risk to babies and toddlers.
What is the product and what is the danger?
The recalled item is a wooden kitchen roleplay toy that features a small tray, a knife, and various pieces of wooden food representing a classic roast dinner. The set includes carrots, potatoes, a chicken drumstick, cabbage, and broccoli.
According to the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS), the toy fails to meet UK safety standards. The velcro (hook and loop) fastenings on the food items can detach during normal play, creating small parts that a young child could choke on.
The product was manufactured in China and sold in John Lewis stores and online between September 3 and November 24 this year. Its product code is 75610228.
Official warnings and required action
The OPSS stated: "The product presents a risk of choking... 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."
John Lewis has urged all customers who bought the toy to stop children using it immediately. Shoppers can return the item to any John Lewis shop for a full refund, with no need for a receipt.
A spokesperson for the retailer said: "Customer safety is always our priority and we recalled this toy as a precaution in November. Only this specific line is impacted. We're very sorry for the inconvenience, and are issuing customers full refunds."
A second pre-Christmas safety recall
This alert follows another last-minute recall just before Christmas. Sainsbury's and Argos were forced to withdraw the Jungle Heads & Tails game due to a similar choking hazard.
In some sets, a small cardboard disc that should have been removed during manufacturing was left attached to an elephant piece. The game, made by Orchard Toys and recommended for children aged 18 months and up, was subject to a specific batch recall.
Consumers were advised to stop using the game and contact Orchard Toys via their website for a refund, replacement, or credit voucher, or return it to Sainsbury's or Argos.
Both incidents underscore the importance of vigilance with children's toys, especially those containing small parts, and highlight the role of the OPSS in enforcing the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
