Popular children's soft toy recalled as parents warned of 'serious' choking risk

Daily Record

30-04-2025

A children's soft toy has been recalled after it did not meet safety regulations. If parents have bought it, they have been warned it poses a "serious" health and safety risk to little ones.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has advised that the Mr Pickles Douglas the Deer Soft Toy presents a "serious risk of choking."
The product is a white children's plush toy in the shape of a deer in blue clothes. It comes complete with a removal backpack that has been found to be the cause of the issue as it does not meet the 2011 Toys Safety Regulations.
According to the OPSS, testing has found that the toggles on the removable backpack will easily become detached, meaning children could be tempted to place it in their mouth, effectively leading to a potential choking hazard.
The affected plush toy was sold before November 15, 2024, with a modified version being sold after this date. Shoppers who bought the product prior to November are being urged to contact the distributor they bought it from for a request redress.
The Mr Pickles London website itself has advised parents that the recall only affects the backpack, not the toy, explaining that children can still play with the plush toy without the removable backpack.
Parents are being urged to "dispose" of the backpack according to local guidelines to allow kids to continue playing with the toy. Mr Douglas and the backpack can also be returned to the store it was bought from for a full refund.
Alternatively, if the plush toy was purchased through the Mr Pickles London website, then it has been advised to contact them by email at [e-mail].
The British firm said in its recall notice: "The toggles on the backpack may not meet our safety standards and could pose a choking hazard. In order to ensure every child's safety, we are asking customers to remove and discard the backpack or return the product for a full refund."
"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding as we work to keep your little ones safe. Thank you for being a valued part of the Mr Pickles family!"
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As of writing, we could not find the Douglas the Deer Soft Toy on sale at any high street store, but it was still available to buy via the brand's website for £43.99 here.
Mr Pickles London is a popular British brand that specialises in whimsical creations. Becoming loved for its high-quality, soft toys, it was founded in 2016 after its founder turned to sewing as a coping method for anxiety, resulting in designs inspired by their childhood.
It's not the only recall we have recently warned shoppers about, as a popular sandwich filler sold at Asda has been recalled after it was discovered to feature the incorrect use-by-date.
An alert to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) issued a 'do not eat' warning for the supermarket's own brand Hot and Spicy Chicken Breast Slices (160g) with the use-by date of May 30, 2025.
Shoppers who have purchased the affected product have been advised to return it to their nearest Asda to receive a full refund. The supermarket has advised that no other products have been affected by the recall.