Waitrose has issued an urgent product recall for a popular Christmas-themed children's item, warning it poses a serious risk of choking to young children. The supermarket is urging customers who purchased the product to stop using it immediately.
What product is being recalled?
The recall concerns the TINC Festive Santa Bottle, a plastic, Santa-themed bottle that was sold by Waitrose. Many children are likely to have received the item as a gift over the recent festive period. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) flagged the product, leading to its withdrawal from sale.
The safety issue centres on the bottle's straw. Authorities state the straw can potentially disintegrate, creating small parts. These parts present a severe choking risk, particularly for children under 36 months old who often explore objects by putting them in their mouths.
Official safety warnings and identification
The OPSS hazard warning is clear: "The product presents a serious risk of choking as the straw can disintegrate, creating small parts." The regulatory body confirmed that the product does not comply with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
Customers can identify the recalled bottle by its barcode: 5055610335627. The product identifier is XMSTBOTT. Waitrose's own recall notice states the action is due to safety reasons.
What should customers do now?
The corrective action mandated by the OPSS and supported by Waitrose is straightforward. Consumers must stop using the bottle at once and ensure it is kept out of reach of children.
Waitrose instructs customers to package the item and return it to their nearest Waitrose & Partners branch. They will receive a full refund. No receipt is necessary for the return.
For further assistance, customers can contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 884 and select Option 4. The supermarket has apologised for the necessity of the recall and any inconvenience caused.
This recall serves as a critical reminder for parents and guardians to check festive gifts and products for any similar safety notices issued in the new year.
