CPR Kids issues warning over popular Woolworths children’s collectable

A warning has been issued over a popular Woolworths collectable amid fears it is an accident waiting to happen.

Children’s safety experts have issued a warning about popular kids collectables sold at Woolworths amid fears they could be a choking hazard.

Woolworths Bricks are popular Lego-like toy packs made from sustainable materials which can be assembled into a Woolies supermarket.

The supermarket giant launched the new range in August and was met with overwhelming demand. Stores ran out of stocks and the bricks were being sold online for exorbitant prices.

But now child safety experts are concerned the collectables could be a choking hazard “if a baby or toddler gets hold of them”.

“We don’t share this to sway people away from them, anything that brings joy to kids right now is great,” CPR Kids, a first aid service for children, said on Facebook.

Woolworths Bricks have been extremely popular since their release - but they can be a choking hazard if a baby or...

Posted by CPR Kids on Saturday, October 2, 2021

“We just want to show how small some of the pieces are, which is why there is a choking hazard warning on each pack.

“If you are collecting these, ensure that any kids under three cannot access any pieces. Keep them away from their reach and teach the older kids to play with them somewhere away from littlies.

“Always make sure all pieces are accounted for, and make sure that the older kids understand if any drop on the floor that they need to be picked up right away.”

There is a 5+ (age) warning on the front and back of the packaging, but consumers were split on whether that’s enough with many mums saying “accidents happen”.

“My two-and-a-half year old keeps asking for them and it’s a stern no from me,” one woman said.

CPR Kids said parents should be extra careful.

The back of the packing has a warning to not give the toys to kids younger than five.

Another wrote: “That is why I have not got them in my house. I have got a one-year-old, a six-year-old and a four-year-old.

“Both the older girls wanted to get them but I did not want to, for the safety of my youngest daughter.”

Aldi earlier slammed Woolworths for its “pointless” collectables.

The German supermarket giant said it was “committed to providing shoppers with the best products at the best prices. No tricks. No gimmicks”.

“We think gimmicks like collectables are pointless. We fundamentally believe that delivering the best prices is the ‘reward’ that matters most,” a spokeswoman said.

Both Coles and Woolworths run frequent in-store promotions around collectibles, such as the Little Shop and Ooshies collections.

A Woolworths spokesman said: “As clearly outlined on the packaging, Woolworths Bricks are for persons aged 5 years of age and older”.

“As with all toys or small objects, we encourage parents to refer to safety warnings on the product packaging and supervise their children as necessary,” the spokesman told NCA NewsWire.