Parents issued urgent warning over advent calendar as toy is recalled over toxic chemical that could harm kids

PARENTS have been issued with a safety warning over a fidget toy advent calendar as it contains high levels of a toxic chemical that could harm kids.

Trading standards officers said the calendar should not be given to children and urges anyone who has bought one to return it to the retailer immediately.

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Tests of the toys found excessive amounts of plastic softening chemical bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) which can harm children's health, causing possible damage to their reproductive system.

The advent calendar has been on sale in North Lanarkshire and the local authority said the product does not identify either the manufacturer or importer and fails to meet safety regulations.

Councillor Michael McPake, of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "The lack of manufacturer and importer details on this calendar raised concern with our trading standards team, and testing of the product highlighted significant safety concerns.

"Thanks to the vigilance of our officers, we are taking action to remove these calendars from sale and I would ask the public to share this information with anyone who might have bought one of these calendars.

"Our advice is don't open them or let children play with the toys inside, and return the calendar to the retailer where you bought it. You are entitled to a full refund."

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Businesses who are selling, or have sold, Fidget Toy Advent Calendars can seek free confidential business advice from Trading Standards online.

Last month, The Sun tested out the best advent calendars for babies.

An excellent gift in the lead-up to Christmas, advent calendars for babies should be safe and include treats or toys they'll love.

For babies, you want to make sure that the advent calendar you choose is age-appropriate and doesn't have any small pieces that could be a choking hazard.

Posh store Harrods also has an advent calendar for sale, stuffed with luxury items, for adults for a whipping £250.

And while that may seem expensive, it's a huge saving when you consider the calendar is worth an incredible £1,166.

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