Haven issues urgent recall of product that poses 'choking and injuries' risk

Haven Holiday Parks has sounded the alarm for families after discovering that some of its sought-after merchandise poses a choking risk. The holiday giant has urgently recalled its Seaside Squad Flashing Rings, which feature various characters adored by park visitors.

The company has identified a fault where the rings could disassemble, potentially allowing children to access the button batteries inside. These batteries are not only a choking hazard but also present a significant health risk as they can cause burns when combined with saliva, reports Wales Online.

The rings have been available for purchase since 1 March, meaning they may have been bought by visitors during the Easter and half-term holidays. In a product recall notice, the Office for Product Safety and Standards highlighted that the rings fail to comply with the Toys (Safety) Regulations.

READ MORE: End use of 'silly and insulting' English names for quarry sites

READ NEXT: Huge shark filmed swimming into Anglesey harbour sparks awe and fear

The warning stated: "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."

Additionally, it was noted that the rings had been on sale at Haven Parks, including Funshops, Wondershops, and Mini Markets from 1 March to 3 June this year.

The implicated rings were produced in China and carry the batch number 022024. They are identifiable by their barcodes: 617285318722 (George), 617285318715 (Rory), 617285318739 (Jaz), and 617285318708 (Annie).

The beloved characters of Haven's Seaside Squad, George, Jaz, Rory and Annie, have been entertaining holiday park regulars for 30 years with their frequent appearances at the popular parks.

Why are button batteries dangerous?

Great Ormond Street Hospital has warned that button batteries can cause "severe problems" if swallowed by a child. The hospital explains: "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 action should I take 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.

Symptoms of swallowing a button battery may not become immediately apparent. Children may experience breathing difficulties or generally feel unwell.

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

Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone