A POPULAR toy has been recalled due to safety concerns for young children.
The Easter-themed buy has been taken off the shelves at all Home Bargains with the retailer offering full refunds to those who purchased it.
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Home Bargains issued the recall for its Happy Easter Plush Toys due to a serious risk of asphyxiation.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) warned that the products present a significant safety hazard.
Asphyxiation, which refers to a deficiency of oxygen in the body, in this case relates to choking.
The plush toys have been found to have weak seams that can easily come apart.
Read More On Product Recalls
This could potentially expose the internal fibrous stuffing material, creating a “serious risk” for young children who may place it in their mouths.
“The limbs of the toy can become easily detached due to the weakness of the seams,” the OPSS explained.
The plush toys, which were made in China, measure 25 centimetres in length.
They come in three Easter designs: Yellow Chick, Pink Rabbit, and White Rabbit.
The Home Bargains barcode for the item is 10811016.
“The products do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011,” said the OPSS.
“The products have been withdrawn from the market and recalled from end users by Home Bargains.”
The product regulator office recommended removing the item from your child “immediately” if you have already purchased it.
“Consumers who have purchased any of the Easter plush toys should stop using it immediately and keep out of the reach of children,” they said.
Anyone who purchased the product can receive a full refund at any Home Bargains location.
No proof of purchase is required when returning this item.
What is a product recall?
PRODUCT recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
Many safety notices for products are issued as a precautionary measure, letting consumers know an item may be dangerous.
In more serious cases, manufacturers or retailers issue a recall, warning customers not to use the product and asking them to return it.
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 retailers to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
A company will sometimes issue a recall to limit the number of complaints.
Shoppers who require further assistance are advised to ask in store or visit the Home Bargains help centre.
Asda has also recalled a popular toy which “may pose a risk of choking”.
The £7 Hapello was taken off shelves after a “small number of cases” found the “potential release of a small piece of plastic lodged in the toy in the manufacturing process”.
Full refunds are also being offered on this item, with no receipt required.
For further information, customers can call Asda Customer Relations at 0800 952 0101.
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