The recall comes just days ahead of Christmas.
One toy sold at Argos and Sainsbury’s has been urgently recalled(Image: Getty Images)
Parents are being made aware of an urgent product recall for for hundreds of toys sold at Sainsbury’s and Argos. It has been discovered that the item poses a dangerous risk to children.
Orchard Toys announced that it is withdrawing its Jungle Heads and Tails toy as it poses a significant risk of choking. The recall was issued on Tuesday, December 23, just before Christmas Day.
The Government’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) stated: “The product presents a serious risk of choking as the elephant has a cardboard disc which should have been removed from the nose as part of the manufacturing process. This disc is a small part, reports the Mirror.
“Small parts pose a choking hazard to young children, particularly those under 36 months of age who have a natural tendency to explore objects by placing them in their mouths. The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.”
The Jungle Heads and Tails toy consists of 24 cards and includes an elephant playing piece. “The product has been recalled from end users,” added the OPSS.
The Jungle Heads & Tails toy (Image: Orchard Toys)
“Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and keep it out of reach of small children. Return the product to the distributor or to Orchard Toys for redress.”
Sainsbury’s further advised in its recall notice: “If you have purchased one of the above products with the affected batch code, please visit 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 labelled SP/001639/058/17.03. 25.
Jungle Heads and Tails confirmed that no other batches have been impacted, nor have any other Orchard Toys branded products.
It’s not the only Christmas-related recall we have reported on recently, as many festive treats have been pulled from shelves following multiple health related concerns, particularly relating to allergy issues.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) recently advised that Tesco had withdrawn its Free From 4 Christmas Chocolate Flavoured Cupcakes as they were found to contain undeclare milk.
In an allergy alert, it was announced that the recall affects a 220g pack of four cakes and all best-before dates up to and including January 17, 2026.. No other Tesco products are said to have been affected by the recall.
Meanwhile, the Bakewell Bakery has today issued an urgent recall for select packs of its Shallow Brandy Mince Pies as they were also found to contain undeclared milk.
The recall affects six batches of mince pies that were sold in England. Dates to look for are – February 2, 2026, February 3, 2026, February 4, 2026 and February 5, 2026.
In both instances, shoppers who have bought the affected Tesco cupcakes and Bakewell Bakery mince pies have been urged not to eat them, but to return them to store for a full refund.