Product recallOPSS
Counterfeit Anti-Choking Devices recalled over a choking risk
Product recall for counterfeit anti-choking devices sold via Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Alibaba, Fruugo, OnBuy, Facebook Marketplace and DesertCart presenting a risk of choking.
Take it away from young children now.
Product image from the OPSS safety notice 
What to do now
The risk with Counterfeit Anti-Choking Devices is choking: a part can detach and fits inside a child’s airway.
- Take it away from young children now.
- Look for loose pieces where it was used.
- Follow the corrective action in the notice: a refund, repair or replacement from the business.
- Incidents and injuries can be reported to Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline.
Why it matters. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.
If someone has been hurt
Look out for
- coughing, gagging or noisy breathing after playing with it
Get help urgently
- a child who cannot breathe, cough or cry — call 999 and follow the call handler’s instructions
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.
Refunds, repairs and replacements
Contact the retailer or the brand using the details in the official notice. Keep your receipt, order confirmation or bank statement if you have one, but a recall remedy should not depend on it.
If you paid by credit card and the item cost more than £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may let you claim from the card provider. For smaller amounts or debit cards, ask your bank about a chargeback.
From the official notice
Published by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (2405-0111). Quoted as issued.
Summary
Product recall for counterfeit anti-choking devices sold via Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Alibaba, Fruugo, OnBuy, Facebook Marketplace and DesertCart presenting a risk of choking.
The risk
Anti-choking devices are intended to alleviate choking incidents after Basic Life Support protocols have been attempted and failed.
Counterfeit and unbranded anti-choking devices may pose a significant risk of worsening choking if used. These devices should not be used in the event of a choking emergency and should be disposed of once identified as counterfeit or non-compliant.
Counterfeit and unbranded anti-choking devices appear similar in design to the genuine LifeVac anti-choking device, and primarily originate from China. No genuine anti-choking devices marketed in the UK are manufactured in China.
Use of a counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking device carries a significant risk of failure to work, and may worsen the situation by further pushing obstructions down the airway passage due to their poor design and quality.
Additionally, the instructions supplied with the product do not sufficiently communicate the warnings, steps and considerations to take into account for appropriate and safe use of these devices.
The counterfeit products do not meet the requirements of the UK Medical Device Regulations 2002 or the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.
Action taken
The product has been recalled from end users by Amazon. The listings have been removed by Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Alibaba, Fruugo, OnBuy, Facebook Marketplace and DesertCart.
Advice to consumers
The product has been recalled from end users by Amazon, and customers notified.
Listings have been removed by the following online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Alibaba, Fruugo, OnBuy, Facebook Marketplace and DesertCart
Owners should check that your anti-choking device is genuine using the provided guidance.
Do not use the anti-choking device in the event of a choking emergency if you suspect that the device you have purchased is a counterfeit or unbranded copy of the legitimate LifeVac anti-choking device. Ensure that you dispose of counterfeit products safely.
Additional information
PSD case number: 2405-0111
Notified by: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
Product description
Yellow and clear plastic counterfeit anti-choking device intended to alleviate choking incidents. The plastic colour may vary in unbranded copies. There is no CE or UKCA marking.
Open the OPSS notice
Questions
Why has Counterfeit Anti-Choking Devices been recalled?
The risk with Counterfeit Anti-Choking Devices is choking: a part can detach and fits inside a child’s airway. Children under three put things in their mouths. Anything small enough to fit through a toilet-roll tube is a choking hazard for them.
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?
Take it away from young children now. Look for loose pieces where it was used.
Can I get a refund or a repair?
Contact the retailer or the brand using the details in the official notice. Keep your receipt, order confirmation or bank statement if you have one, but a recall remedy should not depend on it. If you paid by credit card and the item cost more than £100, Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act may let you claim from the card provider. For smaller amounts or debit cards, ask your bank about a chargeback.
Where was Counterfeit Anti-Choking Devices sold?
The notice names Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, Fruugo, OnBuy, Facebook Marketplace. Products bought elsewhere are covered too if they match the details listed.
