Major UK retailers Sainsbury's and Argos have launched an urgent product recall for a popular children's game, warning it poses a serious risk of choking to young children. The recall was issued just hours before Christmas Day, meaning some of the faulty items may have already been wrapped as gifts.
What is the specific danger?
The product in question is the Jungle Heads & Tails game, manufactured by Orchard Toys. The issue relates to a small cardboard disc on the elephant piece, which should have been removed during production but was left in place on some sets. This disc is classified as a small part, which can be easily inhaled by young children.
The game is marketed for children aged 18 months and upwards. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) stated that the product does not meet the requirements of the Toys Safety Regulations 2011, specifically highlighting the danger to children under 36 months who often explore objects by putting them in their mouths.
What should affected customers do?
Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and keep it away from small children. The recall only applies to games with the specific batch code: SP/001639/058/17.03.25.
Both Sainsbury's and Argos have directed customers to the manufacturer's website to arrange redress. Orchard Toys is offering a choice of a £20 voucher for their website or a £9.50 refund (the game's RRP).
Important steps for a claim:
- Identify the batch code on the box.
- Visit www.orchardtoys.com/jungleheadsnotice to start the process.
- Cut out and retain the box flap with the batch code, then dispose of the game itself.
- Return the box flap via freepost as instructed; do not return the product to the store.
Alternatively, Sainsbury's has stated that customers can return the affected product directly to their stores for a full refund.
Manufacturer and regulator response
Orchard Toys, which manufactures the game in China, has been informed of the error by the OPSS. The company has confirmed that no other batches of Jungle Heads & Tails or any of their other products are affected by this issue.
The OPSS's official notice urged consumers to return the product to the distributor or to Orchard Toys directly for redress, emphasising the serious nature of the choking risk.
