Millions of Playtex Kids’ Bowls and Plates Recalled for Choking Hazard

Playtex has recalled 3.6 million children’s bowls and plates because a clear plastic layer over the graphics that can peel or bubble from the surface could pose a choking hazard to young children. According to a report on Good Housekeeping’s website, Playtex has so far received 372 reports of the plastic peeling off, 11 reports of the material being found in children’s mouths and four reports of children actually choking on it.

Recall Details

If you have one of these products at home, you are urged to immediately stop using the items recalled and contact Playtex for a full refund. The recalled items were sold at Babies “R” Us, Target, Wal-Mart and other stores nationwide from October 2009 through August 2017. The plates and bowls were sold for $2.50 each and the mealtime set went for around $15. Some of the designs on the recalled plates include cars, construction scenes, giraffes, princesses and superheroes.

The white polypropylene plates and bowls have a colored rim on top and a non-slip bottom. A senior product analyst with Good Housekeeping says it is not clear what is causing the plastic to come off. But she says it is always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning these types of products. For example, if an item that is not dishwasher-safe is put in a dishwasher, the material could degrade and pose a hazard.

Understanding and Preventing Choking

A choking hazard refers to any object that could be caught in a child’s throat blocking their airway and making it difficult or impossible to breathe. Hazards could range from food to small toys or parts of children’s products that could break away or disintegrate and pose a choking danger. Some of the common household items that could pose choking hazards include latex balloons, coins, marbles, toys with small parts, pen or marker caps, small balls, button batteries, medicine syringes and beads.

When you buy toys for your child, make sure they are age appropriate. Don’t buy anything that goes through the tube of a toilet paper roll. Pay attention to toys and children’s products that have been recalled for choking hazards. If your child has been injured as the result of a dangerous or defective product, contact an experienced product defect lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights.