Target is recalling nearly half a million wooden toy cars and trucks after learning that they could post a choking hazard to young children. According to a report on Fortune.com, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) alerted parents to look out for wooden cars and trucks from the Bullseye Playground Toy collection. Wheels on the toy cars and trucks can detach which presents a potential choking hazard. So far, no injuries have been reported.
Details of the Recall
The defective toys were sold at Target in October and November 2018 for $1 each. A collection of eight toys sold for $8. The recalled wooden toys include a caboose, a sleigh with Santa in it, an ice cream truck, a train, police car, fire truck, taxi and a digger. The CPSC website has specific item numbers included in the recall. This is not the first recall for Target this year.
Last week, Fisher-Price recalled its popular Rock ‘N Play sleeper for toddlers after 30 children reportedly died as a result of these dangerous products. Also in February Fisher-Price recalled 44,000 Power Wheels Barbie Campers due to a malfunctioning gas pedal that posed an injury hazard. Those who have the affected Target toy vehicles at home are asked to return them to the store for a full refund or discard them.
Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries
According to a CPSC report, there were 13 toy-related deaths that occurred in the calendar year 2017. All victims were under 12. Riding toys were associated with 54 percent of the reported deaths. In addition, there were about 251,700 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. Airway obstruction injury (suffocation) is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among infants under age 1. Choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in children 5. Children under 5 are at greatest risk for choking injury and death. Toys, household items and foods can all be a choking hazard.
Product Liability Issues
All product manufacturers including toy manufacturers have a responsibility to use materials that are safe for children and produce toys that don’t pose these types of dangers. If your child has been injured as the result of a dangerous or defective toy, please understand that you have legal rights. An experienced product defect attorney can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.
Source: http://fortune.com/2019/04/19/target-toy-recall/
