Product safety reportOPSS
Blue Plush Octopus Toy with Small Suction Cup safety warning over harmful chemicals
Product Safety Report for Blue Plush Octopus Toy presenting a serious chemical risk and serious risk of choking.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice 
What to do now
Blue Plush Octopus Toy with Small Suction Cup contains a chemical that is restricted or banned in products like this.
- Stop using it, and take it off children straight away.
- Wash your hands and any skin that has been in contact with it.
- Because the product was found unsafe on an online marketplace, use the platform’s order page to contact the seller.
- If you cannot reach the seller, Trading Standards can be told through Citizens Advice.
Why it matters. Limits on substances such as lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde exist because of their effects on health over time. Children are more exposed because they chew and handle products.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- skin redness, itching or a rash where it touched
Get help urgently
- if a child has chewed or swallowed part of it and is unwell, contact NHS 111 or your GP
This is general information based on NHS public guidance, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice use NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland) or, in Northern Ireland, your GP or out-of-hours service.
Getting your money back
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection.
If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2412-0048). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product Safety Report for Blue Plush Octopus Toy presenting a serious chemical risk and serious risk of choking.
The risk
The product presents a serious chemical risk as the plastic suction cup attachment was found to contain bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) at 4.6% and 15.6% respectively. This exceeds the specified maximum limit of 0.1% by mass of the plasticised material. Phthalates may harm the health of children, causing possible damage to their reproductive system.
Additionally, the product was also found to present a risk of choking as following the standard tension test, the seam came apart allowing access to the internal fibrous stuffing material. The suction cup also detached from the plush and was able to fit entirely through the template. If swallowed, the suction cup could press on the back of a child’s throat and potentially block their airway. There is no labelling and some of the required markings were not present.
The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011 or the REACH Regulations 2008.
Action taken
The goods have been seized from the retail premises and are in safe storage awaiting destruction.
Advice to consumers
Owners should stop using this product immediately. Contact the distributor you purchased from to request redress.
The goods have been seized from the retail premises and are in safe storage awaiting destruction.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2412-0048
Notified by: Local Authority Trading Standards
Product description
A blue octopus plush with small suction cup attached by a cord.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Blue Plush Octopus Toy with Small Suction Cup been reported?
Blue Plush Octopus Toy with Small Suction Cup contains a chemical that is restricted or banned in products like this. Limits on substances such as lead, cadmium, phthalates and formaldehyde exist because of their effects on health over time. Children are more exposed because they chew and handle products.
How do I know if my product is affected?
The notice describes the affected product rather than listing codes. Compare the product name, pack size and where you bought it with the official notice.
What should I do now?
Stop using it, and take it off children straight away. Wash your hands and any skin that has been in contact with it.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
A product safety report usually means the product was bought online and the marketplace has removed the listing. Ask the seller for a refund through the platform where you bought it; many marketplaces have their own buyer protection. If you paid by credit card and it cost over £100, Section 75 may apply; otherwise your bank may be able to raise a chargeback.
