Toy recalled as nose could be a hazard
Santa has gifted a potentially hazardous soft toy to thousands of children across New Zealand and Australia.
AMP Capital, which manages four shopping centres in New Zealand, including New Plymouth’s Centre City, and 18 in Australia, has voluntarily recalled about 20,000 reindeer soft toys given to children who purchased photos with Santa in the malls during November and December.
As the children were farewelled by the jolly big red guy, he offered them a gift from his sack – either the reindeer, or a Santa Claus plush toy.
But it has since been discovered the stuffed reindeer product is a danger to children due to the small size of its nose because, if it detaches, it could become a choking hazard.
AMP announced the recall yesterday on its website, asking parents whose children received the toy to return it to an AMP Capital managed property.
The recall was a precaution and the Luxe Accessories toy had been certified to an international safety standard, a spokeswoman from the international investment firm said.
She said about 5000 of the toys had been delivered to New Zealand for its four stores, and about 15,000 to Australia.
There had been no reports of any issues with the reindeer, she said, reiterating it was a voluntary recall.
‘‘The safety of our customers is our number one priority and we apologise for any inconvenience this recall may cause.’’
As well as Centre City, AMP Capital manage Bayfair Shopping Centre in Tauranga, Auckland’s Botany Town Centre, and The Palms Shopping Centre in Christchurch.