Product recalls are a critical aspect of consumer safety, ensuring that potentially hazardous items are swiftly removed from circulation to prevent harm. These recalls are often initiated when a product defect or safety issue is identified, which could range from contamination to structural flaws that pose risks to consumers.

Recently, Hungry Jack’s released an important safety notice that might affect your grandchildren or any little ones in your care.

The popular fast-food chain has issued an urgent recall on a promotional Garfield toy included in their children's meals due to a serious choking risk.

The toy, which was distributed to promote The Garfield Movie, contains button batteries that have failed to meet the stringent Australian Consumer Law standards.

The Garfield toy was recalled due to safety issues. Image source: Hungry Jack’s

Consumer Affairs Victoria, with Director Nicole Rich at the helm, has issued a public warning about the potential dangers posed by these toys.

The warning notice read: ‘The toy does not comply with the mandatory information standard for products containing button batteries and does not include the required warning information about the dangers of button batteries.’

‘There is a risk of choking or serious injury if young children gain access to the button batteries and swallow or place them inside their body.’

‘I have decided to issue this public warning because consumers may be unaware that the product contains button batteries,’ they added.

The urgency of this recall cannot be overstated. Button batteries are particularly hazardous; if ingested, they can burn through a child's oesophagus in just two hours, leading to internal burns, severe bleeding, or even death. It's a terrifying thought, and we must all be vigilant to prevent such accidents.

Hungry Jack's has taken responsibility by offering customers the option to return the toys, distributed between May 20 and 30 this year, to any of their restaurants.

In return, they will provide a replacement toy that does not contain a battery, or they will safely dispose of the toy.

The fast-food chain's website also suggested that customers can dispose of the toys themselves, but we urge you to do so in a way that ensures the batteries cannot be found and played with by unsuspecting children.

For those who have already acquired the toy, please exercise extreme caution. Keep the toy and its batteries out of reach of children and return it as soon as possible.

If you have any concerns or require further information, Hungry Jack's customer service can be reached at 1300 852 326 or via email at [email protected].

Consumer Affairs Victoria is continuing its investigation into the matter, and they are a resource for anyone unsure about the safety of a product. They can be contacted at 1300 55 81 81.

Tip

In the unfortunate event that you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, immediate action is crucial.


Contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 for urgent advice. And remember, if a child is struggling to breathe, call triple-0 without delay.

We encourage you to share this information with friends and family to spread awareness of this recall. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to the safety of our little ones.

Key Takeaways

• An urgent recall has been issued for a Garfield toy included in Hungry Jack's children's meals due to a choking risk from button batteries.
• The toy failed to meet button battery standards under Australian Consumer Law and lacked the required safety warnings.
• Customers are urged to return the toys to Hungry Jack’s restaurants for a replacement or disposal and to keep the batteries away from children.
• Consumer Affairs Victoria and Hungry Jack's are actively addressing the issue, and those concerned about the safety of a product can contact them for further information.

Have you or someone you know been affected by this recall? Do you have any tips for ensuring the safety of children when it comes to toys with small parts or batteries? Please share your experiences and advice in the comments below.

 

[Gsr]

Looks to me like a screwdriver would need to be used to open the back of the toy for anyone to access the button battery. Probably highly unlikely a child young enough to not have the common sense to swallow a battery would be capable of doing this. But I applaud hungry jacks for erring on the side of caution, rather than risk a child’s life.

 

[Littleboy8]

Looks to me like a screwdriver would need to be used to open the back of the toy for anyone to access the button battery. Probably highly unlikely a child young enough to not have the common sense to swallow a battery would be capable of doing this. But I applaud hungry jacks for erring on the side of caution, rather than risk a child’s life.

Shouldn’t have allowed it to be put out there in the first place stupid person who allowed it.

 

[Ellev]

Probably die from the food before getting to the batteries

 

[PaulB21]

Why was that toy and probably other similar toys, along with flamabile building cladding (the list can go on), allowed into this country in the first place?