The risk of mould forming on batches wooden toys sold by Early Learning Centre and Mothercare has led to a public recall.
The affected products are ELC Giant Wooden Activity Cube and Mothercare Giant Wooden Activity Cube. Both products, which are similar in many respects of their design, were made by the same manufacturer in China.
In a recall notice, the parent company of these two retail brands stated: “…the products may have been exposed to damp or humid conditions which could lead to mould forming.”
Mould can be harmful to health. Inhaling or touching mould spores may cause an allergic reaction, mould could also cause an asthma attack. Babies and children can be particularly sensitive to mould spores, especially those with : existing skin problems, such as eczema; respiratory problems, including asthma; and those with a weakened immune system.
Only specific batches of these products are affected by this recall. The batch numbers are printed on the underside of the base to the removable bead frame (the contraption with painted metal loops and wooden beads for children to manoeuvre along). They are:
ELC GIANT WOODEN ACTIVITY CUBE
Catalogue/SKU number : 141224
Batch code : GJ09-15-D1
MOTHERCARE GIANT WOODEN ACTIVITY CUBE
Catalogue/style code : H2668
Batch code : GJ11-15-D1
If you have either of these products, you should take them to a Mothercare or an Early Learning Centre store for a full refund or contact one of the following telephone numbers:-
ELC Helpline : 0871 231 3511
Mothercare helpline : 0344 875 5111
These telephone lines are staffed from Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm, Sunday and bank holidays 9am-5pm. Calls charged at 10p per minute plus standard network charges.