SAFETY WARNING
Major store recalls popular Christmas present for kids over ‘contamination’ – is your gift affected?
Affected consumers can pick up a cash refund or voucher
A MAJOR store has recalled a popular Christmas present for kids after reports of "contamination".
The Orchard Toys Fun Food Bingo game was pulled off the shelves at Argos following official government guidance.
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Shoppers who purchased Fun Food Bingo between September 1 and December 23 have been told to return it to their local Argos store.
The food-themed kids game was recalled having been deemed to present a microbiological risk to health.
Orchard Toys are offering affected consumers either a cash refund of £12, or a £20 voucher, with free delivery to use on the Orchard Toys website.
The Office for Product Safety and Standard said there may be a small amount of mildew on the cotton bag included in the game.
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Mildew may pose a health risk to individuals with compromised immune systems, damaged lungs or an allergy to mildew.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards said that the affected products do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.
However, the risk level of the contamination is said to be low.
One woman posted on the Extreme Couponing and Bargains Group on Facebook alerting other people who didn't know til the news.
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She wrote: "Thought id post in case anyone has brought this for a Christmas present like us."
It comes after Matalan issued an urgent recall of a Christmas decoration after it was found to pose a choking hazard.
The retailer is asking shoppers to bring back the festive-themed ornament immediately for a full refund.
Customers won't need to provide a receipt to get their money back.
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The Christmas Stripe tree decoration was on sale between August 5 and October 21 this year but may come apart and produce small parts which someone could choke on.
In a product recall notice, Matalan said: "If you have bought (the product) for someone else or know someone who has one then please let them know immediately about this notice.
"We pride ourselves on delivering great quality at great prices and we're really sorry for any inconvenience caused."
The product's model is M207676 and the barcode should read 6207676000004.
You should be able to find both of these numbers on the product.
OTHER PRODUCT RECALLS
Product recalls are common practice among retailers with items pulled from shelves for a host of different reasons.
In most cases, products are pulled because there is a safety risk to customers.
You can read more about your rights concerning a recalled product in our guide.
The Range recently issued an urgent recall of a popular energy-saving gadget.
The discount retailer warned the Teddy Sherpa electric throw could overheat and catch fire.
Earlier this month, pharmacy chain Boots told shoppers to bring back a faulty Christmas gift over "risk of burn" fears.
The Radley Cosy Up mug and sock set was recalled as the base of the mug could crack and break into pieces when used.
Another festive product has also recently been urgently recalled over injury fears.
John Lewis has been forced by safety officials to recall its latest Quality Street Sweet Glass Baubles due to their resemblance to the chocolates.
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Officials warned that people risked being left with cuts to their mouth or hand if they tried to take a bite of the bauble.
The baubles were sold at John Lewis from September 1 to October 17.
Your product recall rights
Chief consumer reporter James Flanders reveals all you need to know.
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it's often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you - the customer - to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don't there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety noticed issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work - such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.
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