A popular Baby Shark bath toy has been recalled worldwide due to some children needing stitches after playing with the small figurines.
As of the 22nd of June, the 7.5 million Zuru Baby Shark bath toys and Mini Baby Shark bath toys that have been available in New Zealand stores have been recalled due to their hazardous design.
These toys have been sold in-person and online at places like The Warehouse and Kmart, Farmers and Whitcoulls from May 2019 through March 2023.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission: "When using the recalled bath toys, particularly in a bathtub or wading pool, a child can slip and fall or sit onto the hard plastic top fin of the shark, posing risks of impalement, lacerations and punctures."
Reports have come in from overseas about toddlers getting lacerations and needing stitches from playing with these toys. The recalled products are only those that have hard plastic top fins that can cause serious injuries. Silicone fins are not included.
SOURCE: www.cpsc.gov
So, if you have any of these toys in your possession, stop using them right away. The New Zealand Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment has issued the recall, so it's serious business.
To get a refund for your purchase, Product Safety NZ says to follow these steps: First, cut off or bend the tail fin of the baby shark. Then, write "recalled" and a registration code on the body of the toy. Take a photo of it and upload it to the dedicated recall website. Zuru will take care of the rest and provide you with a full refund.
SOURCE: www.productsafety.govt.nz
You can identify the recalled products by their model numbers and date codes.
SOURCE: www.productsafety.govt.nz
Don't worry, though! Zuru have said they've already implemented measures to remove these toys from shelves and replace them with a newly designed version that has a silicone fin. So, keep an eye out for the updated toys in the future.
They want to make sure no child is at risk. So, take action immediately if you have these toys lying around at your place, and let's keep our little ones safe and happy during bath time.
