From cleaning supplies and yummy snacks, to clothing and toys, nowadays, you can get everything at the dollar store.
But when things are being massed produced in a country far away, where regulations aren’t always the same, things can get dicey. And just recently, everyone’s favourite spot for bargains and deals got stuck in a bit of a tough spot.
Health Canada recently put out a notice saying that Canada’s largest dollar store chain, Dollarama, is recalling over 50,000 toys. The recall is attributed to excessive levels of chemical used in plastic, which can be a risk to human health.
Dollarama recalled 52,000 Montoy doll and toy furniture sets.
The toys in question were sold between October 16, 2017 and October 5, 2018. Luckily, there have not been any reports of injury. However, Health Canada notes that the plastic toys, made in China, contain levels of phthalates that exceed the norm and could pose as a chemical hazard to the children playing with them.
While in small doses phthalates aren’t so bad, in larger amounts, they can pose a serious threat to someone’s health.
According to Global News, the chemicals (formerly known as PVCs) were restricted in 2010. Studies revealed that kids who sucked or chewed on toys containing PVCs for extended periods were more likely to suffer reproductive and developmental abnormalities.
If you or someone you know has purchased one of these products, you should dispose of the toy immediately to avoid any risk. Alternatively, Dollarama is also offering to take the toy back. They are offering full refunds to anyone that purchased the Montoy doll and toy furniture sets, and shoppers don’t even need a receipt to get their money back.
This isn’t the first time that Dollarama has recalled products this year.
Earlier this year in August, the dollar store chain recalled over 500,000 “Skip Ball” toys. The toys, sold between January 2012 and July 2017, were made of plastic cord and a multi-coloured ball attached to a pink plastic ankle loop. It was also recalled due to higher than allowed levels of phthalates.
Like the situation happening now, there were, luckily, no reports of injury.
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