A kids' "shape sorter" toy has been recalled over fears that it may pose a choking risk in youngsters.
Toy company Early Learning Centre is pulled their "Little Sense Lights and Sounds Shape Sorter" product from shelves.
The product, aimed at youngsters aged 6-36 months, comprises of a large "shape sorter" with six smaller, uniquely shaped puzzle-like pieces.
Its main aim is to help stimulate senses, hand eye coordination and fine motor skills in babies and toddlers.
But the Office for Product Safety and Standards has now issued a notice to have the product recalled over safety concerns.
The report revealed that “the red cube shape may come apart during use, creating small parts and therefore a potential choking hazard”.
Toy manufacturer Addo Play, responsible for the design and creation of the product, issued a voluntary safety notice.
However, it reassured customers that “no other components are affected” and “no injuries have been reported related to the use of this product”.
The manufacturers have asked families to remove the red cube shape from the product immediately and dispose of it, and to contact them for a free replacement of the component.
You can contact hello@addoplay.com for a replacement cube shape.
The shape sorter was sold through The Entertainer toy stores and website between August 2019 and August 2022.
In their notice, Addo Play said they were “committed to product quality, and we have taken this precautionary action to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers.”
The company also went on to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
The recall comes shortly after a similar children's toy sold in Ireland was recalled due to choking and strangulation fears.
Parents were warned that Le Toy Van B.V. were recalling their Petilou/Le Toy Van Sensory Shapes toy for children between 1 and 2 years of age, the Irish Mirror reported.
According to the CCPC, the risks associated with the product included choking, injuries and strangulation.
Similar to the fault in Addo Play's design, the CCPC report revealed that some components from the toy "can come loose", and that a child could "put them in the mouth and choke on them."
A number of retailers in Ireland were selling the toy, including Little Dreamers, Oranmore, Co. Galway and Browsers Books & Gifts.
The CCPC told parents that if they had one of the affected toys, they "should stop using the product and return it to the retailer", where they could be offered a full refund.
