Children's tool bench recalled after US accidents

Hasbro New Zealand has voluntarily recalled 1200 Playskool Team Talkin Tool Bench toys.

The pint-sized tool bench has been recalled after two accidents in the United States, where toddlers playing with the toy's oversized plastic toy nail suffocated when the nail head became forcibly lodged in their throats.

There have been no accidents reported in New Zealand or Australia.

Hasbro's US-based CEO, Al Verrecchia said the plastic toy nails were more than 80mm long and 35mm wide - far larger than what was normally considered a choking hazard.

However, he urged all caregivers to return the toy nails to Hasbro to prevent additional accidents.

The toys were sold at The Warehouse, Farmers and K-Mart stores from September 2005 through to this month for about $90.

- NEWSTALK ZB