Major Retailers Issue Urgent Toy Recall Over Safety Fears
An urgent product recall has been announced for a popular children's toy sold by Kmart and Target, following the discovery of a serious safety defect that could lead to injury or death. The public notice for the Pop and Surprise Playset comes just weeks before the Christmas period, a time when many families are purchasing gifts.
Specific Choking Hazard Identified
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has confirmed that the toy contains small screws which may come loose, creating a potential choking hazard for young children. An official recall notice stated, 'There is a risk of serious injury or death by choking if small parts separate from the toy and a child places them in their mouth.' The ACCC has also reported that incidents have already occurred in relation to this fault.
The playset was marketed for children under three years of age. It was available for purchase both online and in physical Kmart and Target stores across the country between January 16, 2020 and November 7, 2025.
How to Identify the Affected Batch and What to Do
Not all Pop and Surprise Playsets are affected. The recall is specific to batch 20/25, which was manufactured in Vietnam. Consumers must check the bottom of the toy to find its item code. The affected products will have either the Kmart code 42821427 or the Target code 69576577.
If you own a toy from this batch, you are urged to:
- Immediately take the toy away from children and ensure it is out of reach.
- Place the toy back in its box.
- Return it to any Kmart or Target store, which is the point of purchase, to receive a full refund.
This recall follows another recent safety action by the same retailers, who pulled four types of decorative sand from shelves over concerns they contained asbestos.
