With Christmas just around the corner, a popular children’s toy has been pulled from Kmart and Target shelves due to serious safety concerns. The Pop and Surprise Playset, designed for kids under three, has been recalled after reports of small screws coming loose, posing a choking hazard. Authorities have warned that the toy could cause severe injury or even death if small parts separate and are swallowed.
Why the Recall?
The Pop and Surprise Playset has become a favorite in many households, but it now poses a significant risk for young children. The issue centers on tiny screws in the toy that could loosen over time. If these parts detach, they present a choking hazard to young children, who are more likely to put small objects in their mouths. The recall is focused on a specific batch of toys, batch 20/25, made in Vietnam. You can find the Kmart code 42821427 or Target code 69576577 on the bottom of the toy to check if it’s part of the affected batch.
Authorities have not revealed the exact number of incidents, but they’ve acknowledged that “incidents have occurred.” That’s a pretty worrying statement, especially considering the toy’s target age group—children under three. Parents are being advised to immediately stop using the toy and return it to the store for a full refund. If the toy has been given away or sold, the recall alert advises contacting the place of purchase for further instructions.
A Reminder About Safety
As frustrating as it is, recalls like this are a reminder of how essential it is to stay on top of toy safety. As much as we trust brands, things can slip through the cracks. It’s not the first time Kmart and Target have been involved in product recalls this year. Just last weekend, the two retailers were also caught up in a saga over colored play sand contaminated with asbestos. Thankfully, no respirable asbestos fibers were detected in the sand, but it’s still a good reminder to be cautious of seemingly harmless toys and products.
In this case, the Pop and Surprise Playset had the potential to harm young children who might not even realize the danger until it’s too late. It’s a scary thought, especially when you consider how easy it is for toys to become worn out or for small parts to loosen up without us noticing.
What Do Parents Think?
The timing of this recall is particularly frustrating given that we’re just weeks away from Christmas. Parents are scrambling to remove the toy from their homes, with some commenting that it’s their kids’ favorite toy. One parent said to 7News, “Looks like we are throwing the kids’ favourite toy out,” while another shared the anxiety of seeing their child go “straight to this toy at daycare this morning.” It’s clear that the toy was a big hit among families, making the recall even harder to swallow.
What Should You Do If You Have One?
If you happen to have the Pop and Surprise Playset in your home, it’s crucial to act quickly. The recall applies to all affected units sold at Kmart and Target both in-store and online. If you can’t return the toy or if you’ve gifted or sold it to someone else, make sure to contact the retailer for guidance. For many parents, this recall is just another reminder of how vital it is to stay aware of toy safety and how quickly things can change when a beloved product is flagged for safety concerns.
