BUSINESS
Product recall: Toys from Takealot, Toys R Us and e-bike batteries pulled over choking, fire hazards
The tissue box toy poses a choking hazard to young children, while the ebike batteries pose a fire hazard.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has confirmed the recall of two products: the Tissue Box Toy included with Fisher-Price 3-in-1 SnugaPuppy Activity Center, and the lithium-ion batteries used in Santa Cruz Heckler 9 e-bikes.
What the toy looks like
NCC said that Mattel South Africa informed them of a recall for the Tissue Box Toy due to a defective component cover that can come apart, making the internal support brackets (small parts) accessible.
“The detachable tissue box toy can come apart, exposing the support brackets, posing a choking hazard to young children.”
The tissue box toy is located on the underside of the table, near the Fisher-Price logo. It is white with red decorations and has “tissues” made of sensory cloth.
On one side, it features a black and white wavy striped pattern, and on the other, a yellow-green pattern with raised spots.
Toy bought between 2023 and 2025
The commission said the toy was sold between 2023 and 2025 at:
- Amazon Com Ser (SA) Pty Ltd
- Lilliput Novelties (Pty) Ltd
- OneDayOnly Offers (Pty) Ltd
- Loot Online (Pty) Ltd
- Takealot Online (Pty) Ltd
- Toy Kingdom (Pty) Ltd
- Amic Trading, which operates Toys R Us
“Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the recalled tissue box toy, remove it from the activity centre, and keep it away from young children.
“Additionally, consumers should contact Fisher-Price to return the tissue toy box in exchange for a refund for the toy only.”
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Recall of lithium-ion batteries
Another product recall involves the interchangeable 720w lithium-ion batteries of the Santa Cruz Heckler 9 e-bikes. The interchangeable 720w lithium-ion battery is located inside a black case under the frame.
The supplier, Santa Cruz Bicycles, LLC, informed the NCC that their investigation and testing revealed that a small number of batteries supplied to certain Heckler e-bike may be at an increased risk of an electrical short circuit.
“In such cases, this may pose a fire hazard, resulting in a risk of injury or property damage.”
Products sold between February 2022 to April 2025
The commission added that the affected Santa Cruz Heckler 9 e-bikes were made available from February 2022 to April 2025 and sold nationally.
“Consumers are urged to stop using the e-bikes immediately and disconnect the battery from the Heckler 9 e-bike and charger.
“They should contact Santa Cruz Bicycle if they have sold or gifted it to anyone and forward this information.
“Consumers are encouraged to check whether their battery is affected by visiting the Santa Cruz Bicycles recall page. If affected, they can register to receive a replacement battery at no extra cost.”
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