A popular educational toy manufacturer has issued an urgent safety alert due to a fungal contamination risk.
Orchard Toys' See and Sound Giant Flashcards have been declared unsafe due to possible mould growth in the packaging.
The contamination affects a specific production batch and could pose a health hazard, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) classified the recall as "low risk" but confirmed the affected items breached toy safety regulations.
Parents and carers who have purchased the flashcards for their little ones have been instructed to "dispose of the product immediately" and contact the company for compensation.
The contaminated items are animal-themed educational flashcards sold in colourful rectangular packaging.
Only products bearing the batch code SPHK/001622/132/16.01.25, printed on the box's side, are affected by the recall.
The OPSS warned that mould could trigger health complications in people with weakened immunity, respiratory conditions or mould sensitivities.
Orchard Toys See and Sound Giant Flashcards have been recalled due to a contamination risk
|OPSS
However, Orchard Toys emphasised that no illnesses or injuries linked to the contamination have been reported to date.
Affected customers must photograph the batch code before discarding the product, then reach out to Orchard Toys via its website or by telephoning 01953 423422.
The manufacturer stated: "The quality and safety of our toys is of paramount importance to us, and this is why we are alerting customers of the potential risk."
Purchasers can choose between a £20 digital voucher for the company's online shop or a £10 cash refund matching the retail price.
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The company confirmed: "No other batches of Orchard Toys See and Sound Giant Flashcards or any other Orchard Toys branded product are affected by this notice."
Orchard Toys products are stocked by several major retailers, including Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis. However, none have shared the safety notice for the affected product, suggesting they are not impacted by the recall.
This safety alert follows another significant product recall impacting young children. High street chain Next has recalled multiple items from its Miss brand clothing range due to hazardous design features.
The affected garments include six printed summer dress designs and a three-piece ensemble comprising a knitted top, denim shorts, and a headband.
The OPSS instructed parents to "cease use immediately" after discovering that decorative cords on these items exceed permitted lengths.
These cords create strangulation risks if they catch during wear. The affected products violate General Product Safety Regulations 2005 and must be returned to Next stores for a full refund.
While they are relatively rare, product and food recalls should always be taken seriously to ensure customer safety.
For the latest information on product recalls, visit the Office for Product Safety and Standards' dedicated web page. For food recalls, the Food Standards Agency provides detailed updates.