Thousands of toys for toddlers recalled for high lead content

A toy targeted at children six months and older is being recalled due to lead content “above the regulatory limits,” according to an advisory released on Friday, Nov. 25 by Health Canada.

The toy in question is the My First Words cube by Québec-based Placote manufactured by Les Éditions Passe-Temps Inc. in Canada.

The company reported that approximately 4,000 units of the affected product were sold in Canada from March 2022 to September 2022.

The Les Éditions Passe-Temps site indicates that the product has been pulled out for an “extended period of time,” and will not be back in stock until Spring 2023.

Health Canada advises consumers who purchased the product to “immediately stop” using the cube, and return it to Les Editons for a full refund or a gift card.

The recall involves a pocket cube with cardboard cards, however Health Canada says the cards are believed to be safe.

Health effects associated with exposure to high lead include anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, heart and immune system, and in extreme cases, death.

Under the Toys Regulations of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, it is illegal to import, advertise or sell toys that contains more than 90 mg/kg total lead.

As of Nov. 17, 2022, the company has received no reports of incident or injury in Canada, Health of Canada said.