Mother’s Alarm Over Toddler’s Ingestion of Toy Material
A 24-year-old mother from Lincoln voiced deep concern after her three-year-old son swallowed contents from a ‘dinosaur egg’ toy that tests later revealed might contain trace levels of asbestos. Charli Aitken bought the Let’s Dig Out Dinosaur Eggs set from Smyths Toys in early December as a Christmas gift for her son Rudi.
The incident occurred in February during playtime at home. Rudi consumed some of the ‘dinosaur sand,’ prompting Charli to contact NHS 111. Advised to reach out to the retailer, she learned the product used plaster of Paris, described as non-toxic. Smyths Toys also sent a £10 gift voucher.
Product Recall Sparks Further Worry
Weeks later, on March 23, Smyths Toys issued a recall notice for the toy and six others. The alert stated the sand-like material inside may hold small quantities of asbestos, posing a health risk. Customers were urged to stop use immediately, keep it from children, and return it for a refund or dispose of it.
Charli, a civil servant living with partner Jordan, 32, and their one-year-old daughter Rori, criticized the retailer’s handling. ‘We bought the egg as a stocking filler for Christmas as Rudi loves dinosaurs,’ she explained. ‘I turned around and he had taken a big spoonful of this dinosaur sand… I called 111 as I was worried it was plaster and might set in his stomach.’
Health experts reassured her the small amount was unlikely toxic but recommended monitoring Rudi and contacting Smyths Toys. Despite follow-up emails requesting ingredient details, responses lacked specifics, heightening her unease.
Calls for Accountability and Legal Steps
Charli attempted contact 16 times post-recall, seeking details on risk assessments and processes, but received limited replies. ‘All I saw was “asbestos” and my heart dropped,’ she said. ‘Why is a children’s toy dinosaur egg being made from such a building material? … Any symptoms won’t show until he’s much older.’
She questions the initial advice, which deterred medical checks for Rudi, and ponders legal action. ‘I feel like there needs to be some accountability,’ Charli stated. ‘They should have contacted me directly when they knew my son had ingested it.’
Retailer’s Position and Ongoing Review
The recall affects seven sand-based toys sold by Smyths Toys. A spokesperson noted: ‘The European Commission and OPSS are undertaking a review of these products. We trust their scientific expertise and await their findings and guidance.’
Smyths Toys tested the specific item, product 166403 – Lets Dig Out Dinosaur Figures Eggs 10 Pack Set, confirming trace asbestos levels. Despite low risk, the retailer recalled products precautionary. A broader review of its sand toy range continues, pending results.
