Major retailers Sainsbury's and Argos have issued an urgent recall for hundreds of toys just hours before Christmas Day, following a serious safety warning from the UK government.
Government Safety Alert Triggers Immediate Action
The Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) announced the recall on 24th December 2025, stating the affected product "presents a serious risk of choking". The product in question is the Jungle Heads & Tails toy, manufactured by Orchard Toys.
According to the official notice, the hazard stems from a specific manufacturing flaw. "The elephant has a cardboard disc which should have been removed from the nose as part of the manufacturing process. This disc is a small part," the OPSS stated.
Why This Poses a Critical Danger to Young Children
The regulatory body emphasised that small parts are a known and severe risk to young children. "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," the warning continued.
Consequently, the OPSS confirmed that the product does not comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, the key legislation designed to protect children in the United Kingdom. The recall affects toys sold across the UK at both Sainsbury's and Argos stores.
What Consumers Should Do Now
Orchard Toys has confirmed it is pulling the Jungle Heads & Tails toy from circulation. Parents and gift-givers who have purchased this item are urged to:
- Immediately stop children from playing with the toy.
- Check for the specific product in their homes.
- Follow official recall instructions from Orchard Toys, Sainsbury's, or Argos for a refund or replacement.
The timing of this alert, on Christmas Eve, underscores the critical nature of the safety flaw and the importance of swift public awareness to prevent any potential accidents during the festive period.
