More Toy Recalls in Canada

When I first had the idea of hosting a blog, I knew that by putting myself “out there” I left myself open to criticism. The topic of consumer safety and particularly, toy recalls was my champion topic since I am deeply affected by the topic. However, what I did not anticipate was the amount of emails I would receive regarding a particular post regarding a potential choking hazard for “Sophie the Giraffe”.

I don’t own a “Sophie the Giraffe”, and as I mentioned in my post the fact that this toy is made of rubber, is painted and has a squeaker in it are the fundamental reasons why I didn’t buy it.

I was simply notified by a toy store after they were informed by a customer that their child had choked on this toy. This consumer complaint prompted the toy store to pull the product from the shelf and notify the distributor.

In my post, I make no claims to owning the toy and I also very clearly state the toy has not been recalled and that a safety warning has not been issued. I simply tell the story of a baby choking on this toy, and link to similar stories shared by mothers.

Since I posted the story, I have received numerous emails from people with claims ranging from:

• “fraudulent”,
• “misinformed”,
• “reeks of bad parenting”,
• “Sophie the giraffe has tested the toy with a lab accreditied by the Goverment and the toy has passed all the safety tests required for newborn babies which in fact include test for shocking hazard,” - (This was my personal favourite due to the atrocious spelling and use of “shocking” instead of *choking*)
• “for your sake you better stop spreading the rumours of Sophie being unsafe,” – (that is a little harsh)
• “Sophie is one of the safer teething toys out their“.
• “Has your recommendation been tested and approved?

First, if I had known this was going to be the post that started my blog propagating, I would have thought of a better title for the infamous post. Secondly, I have every right to post the information simply because this is a true story.

There is a parent whose child choked on this toy.

So I am the one being accused of “fraud” when there are numerous toys being recalled that have “Lead Free!” on the label, yet are recalled for excess lead? I find it unbelievable that I am being called “misinformed” when manufacturers continue to have their products recalled yet they don’t HAVE TO inform the consumer. I don’t care if “Sophie is one of the safer teething toys out their” – I want the SAFEST toy.

I am glad that “Sophie” is clearly loved and is used as a safe teething option for parents and their children. But at the end of the day I don’t care about those stories.

• I care about the parent whose child choked on this toy.
• I care about the parent whose child died of lead poisoning from swallowing an innocuous piece of jewelery marketed towards children.
• I care about the manufacturers who are not issuing recall notices and have their products available on store shelves or remain in our homes.

This is the last time I will be discussing “Sophie the Giraffe” on this blog unless it is accompanied by a recall notice or safety warning.

Sincerely,

This Girl Wears Glasses

P.S. - One last thing :  Read Comment #10