Haven holiday parks urgently recall character merchandise as it could choke

Haven Holiday Parks has issued an urgent warning to families after some of its popular merchandise was found to be a choking hazard. The popular chain has recalled its Seaside Squad Flashing Rings in various of the characters loved by visitors to the parks.

It said the rings could fall apart which made it possible for children to get to the button batteries inside which can not only choke but also pose a health hazard as when mixed with saliva they can burn. The affected rings have been on sale since March 1 meaning visitors over Easter and half term breaks could have bought them.

Recalling the products the Office for Product Safety & Standards warned the rings do not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations. It said: "The product presents a chemical risk and risk of choking and injuries as the toy rings can come apart, allowing easy access to the button cell batteries inside.

"The batteries may be placed in the mouth and swallowed, presenting a choking hazard for young children, and causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract." It added the rings had been sold throughout Haven Parks, Funshops, Wondershops and Mini Markets between March 1 and June 3 this year.

The affected rings were manufactured in China and have the batch number 022024. They have barcodes of 617285318722 (George), 617285318715 (Rory), 617285318739(Jaz), 617285318708 (Annie).

Haven's Seaside Squad characters are much loved among the holiday park regulars where they have entertained for 30 years. They are made up of George, Jaz, Rory and Annie and make regular appearances at the popular parks.

Why are button batteries a risk?

According to Great Ormond Street Hospital button batteries can cause "severe problems" if swallowed by a child. It warns: "The problems caused by button batteries are not usually due to chemicals leaking from the battery but because the battery itself reacts with bodily fluids, such as mucus or saliva.

"This creates a circuit to release a substance like caustic soda, which is a strong alkali that can burn through tissue. An alkaline substance is at the opposite end of the pH scale to an acid but is just as dangerous. Even ‘dead’ batteries have the potential to release the alkali so should be treated just as carefully as new batteries."

What should I do if I suspect my child has swallowed one?

• If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, you should take them to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department as quickly as possible.

• Do not give them anything to eat or drink or try to make them sick as this could cause damage as the battery is vomited back up as well as the damage it caused when swallowed.

• If possible, try to find out what sort of battery your child swallowed but do not delay taking them to hospital if you cannot immediately see what they have swallowed.

Sometimes, symptoms of swallowing a button battery do not become immediately obvious. Children may have breathing difficulties or be generally unwell.

If the swallowed button battery starts to cause problems, children may cough up or vomit blood. Batteries inserted into the nose or ear can also cause problems, such as nose bleeds or bleeding from the ear.