The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning parents and caregivers to remove all plastic film coverings on toys and other children's products. The CPSC says the film can pose a choking hazard to children.
The CPSC says it is aware of two incidents in which young children nearly choked on this kind of film.
What Is the Warning?
Some manufacturers use plastic film to keep mirrors and other surfaces from getting scratched during shipping. The CPSC says this film is part of the packaging. It is not meant for children to use.
The film is clear and thin. Many products with scratchable surfaces can carry it, including children's toys and mirrors.
Why Is It Dangerous?
The CPSC is aware of two incidents in which young children nearly choked after they put the plastic film from the mirror on their Fisher-Price Luv U Zoo Jumperoo into their mouths.
The CPSC's OnSafety blog explains that if the film is not removed, or if you do not know it is there, a child could find it first. A child could mouth it and gag or even choke on it.
The blog also says CPSC looked at this type of toy. A clear sticker with a big red X sat in the middle of the film. An arrow on one side of the film pointed to the X. A parent can pull off the X sticker and the arrow without pulling off the film. If the film on a mirror or other product has no arrow or X to guide you, you might not realize the cover is there.
The CPSC page names Fisher-Price only as the maker of the toy in these two incidents. It does not say the toy was recalled.
What Should You Do?
- Examine toys and other children's products for plastic film coverings. The CPSC blog says to take an extra look at children's toys.
- Look for mirrors or scratchable surfaces that seem like they should be shiny but are not. That can be a sign of film.
- Remove all plastic film coverings before you let a child play with or handle a product.
- If you find film, look for a thin piece of plastic. Remove it and throw it away.
- To report an unsafe product, go to SaferProducts.gov or call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
