Smyths Toys has recalled the Fantasma Deluxe Top Hat Set from its shelves due to a choking hazard linked to a detachable part. Four production batches are affected, with the risk traced to the rabbit plush toy’s nose detaching easily.
The recall follows a warning from the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), which flagged the toy set as failing to meet essential safety criteria. The hazard, involving small detachable parts, prompted an immediate action to withdraw the product from sale.
According to the recall notice, parents are urged to stop using the product immediately and keep it out of children’s reach. Customers can return the item to Smyths Toys stores for a full refund, with no proof of purchase required.
Safety Regulation Breach Prompts Urgent Action
The Fantasma Deluxe Top Hat Set, a children’s magic tricks kit sold at Smyths Toys, has been recalled after safety tests revealed it poses a choking hazard. The set includes a top hat, cape, plush rabbit, and materials for over 150 tricks.
According to Smyths Toys, the issue centres around the rabbit’s plastic nose, which can detach and create a small part that poses a significant risk to young children.
The recall affects four batches of the product, all identifiable by the reference number 198567 and barcode 0816344015286. The specific batch numbers are 2401-6009ML-BK, 2406-6009ML-BK, 2407-6009ML-BK, and 2408-6009ML-BK. These were sold across the UK and Ireland.
According to the OPSS, “The product presents a risk of choking as the plush rabbit’s nose may become loose and detach, producing a small part capable of fitting entirely inside of a small parts cylinder. A young child may put the small part in their mouth and choke.”
The item failed to meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, which set mandatory limits for toy safety standards in the UK, especially concerning small detachable components in products intended for young children.
Toy Industry Under Scrutiny Amid Spate of Recalls
This recall is the latest in a series of product withdrawals from UK retailers due to safety concerns. Last month, the Mr Pickles Douglas the Deer Soft Toy was also recalled for presenting a choking hazard, while a 3D-printed Togetdream Dinosaur Toy sold via Amazon faced similar concerns due to inadequate labelling and the presence of small parts.
In a separate incident, Stanley Jr. Kids Wheelbarrow and seven-piece Garden Sets sold at Costco were pulled from shelves after tests revealed excessive levels of migratable lead in the yellow paint of the hoe and rake handles, posing long-term health risks.
These repeated breaches have drawn attention to the need for stronger enforcement and awareness around toy safety. Parents are advised to regularly check manufacturers’ websites and the GOV.UK product recall page to stay informed on recalls affecting items they may have at home.
