Hundreds of toys sold at Sainsbury’s and Argos across the UK have been urgently recalled after being found to pose a serious choking hazard, according to the Government’s Office for Product

Safety and Standards (OPSS).

Orchard Toys has confirmed it is recalling its ‘Jungle Heads & Tails’ toy following the discovery of a manufacturing defect that could endanger young children. The recall was issued on Tuesday, just hours before Christmas Day.

The OPSS said the toy presents a “serious risk of choking” because an elephant playing piece contains a small cardboard disc that should have been removed during the manufacturing process. The disc is classified as a small part, which can be hazardous to children under 36 months, who are particularly at risk due to a tendency to place objects in their mouths.

“The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011,” the OPSS said, confirming the toy has been recalled from end users.

‘Jungle Heads & Tails’ is a set of 24 cards that includes the elephant playing piece. Consumers have been advised to stop using the product immediately, keep it out of reach of young children and return it to the distributor or Orchard Toys for a refund or replacement.

Sainsbury’s also issued guidance to customers who purchased the affected product. In a recall notice, the supermarket said: “If you have purchased one of the above products with the affected batch code, please visit [www.orchardtoys.com/jungleheadsnotice](http://www.orchardtoys.com/jungleheadsnotice) to arrange a replacement, credit voucher or refund.

“Customers should remove and retain the box flap detailing the batch code and dispose of the product. Alternatively, customers can return the product to Sainsbury’s for a full refund.”

The affected batch code is SP/001639/058/17.03.25. Orchard Toys confirmed no other batches are impacted and said no other Orchard Toys products are affected by the recall. Photo by Sebastian Ballard, Wikimedia commons.