Play Kitchen Recall Issued Following Toddler Fatality
Recall of KidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchen Due to Strangulation Hazard
The KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchen has been voluntarily recalled due to a strangulation and asphyxia hazard posed by the hooks used to hold toy kitchen accessories. This recall affects approximately 192,000 units that were imported and sold between 2018 and 2024.
The recall was prompted by a tragic incident in February 2023, where a 23-month-old child died in Oregon after their shirt caught on one of the hooks while climbing and crawling through the back opening of the play kitchen. No additional injuries have been reported at this time.
Originally manufactured by KidKraft, Inc., the recall is now being handled by Backyard Kids, LLC following KidKraft's bankruptcy filing in May 2024. Backyard Kids is providing free replacement hooks with a safer design to all owners of the affected units. Consumers are urged to immediately stop using the original hooks, remove them, and contact Backyard Kids by phone, email, or online for replacement hooks.
The hooks on the toy kitchen were meant for holding toy items, but their placement made them a danger if a child entered the structure from behind. The recalled kitchens were sold online through major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and KidKraft's website, as well as directly from Backyard Kids. The units sold for prices ranging from $120 to $270.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) continues to monitor reports related to toy safety and urges the public to report any concerns. This recall highlights the importance of immediate action by consumers to reduce the risk of injury and shows the manufacturer's ongoing responsibility even after bankruptcy through Backyard Kids’ voluntary recall program.
The delay between the child's death and the public recall has raised concerns among safety advocates and parents. This incident is a painful reminder that one life lost is already too many. It serves as a reminder that product testing should not stop once an item hits the market, and safety reviews must evolve as real-world use uncovers hidden dangers.
Canadian consumers with affected units are also eligible for replacement hooks. For more information, consumers can contact Backyard Kids at 1-800-882-0234 or email [email protected].
References:
- "Almost 200,000 play kitchens recalled after death of toddler who was strangled on hook" - USA Today
- "Backyard Kids Recalls KidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchens Due to Strangulation Hazard; One Death Reported" - US Consumer Product Safety Commission
- "Nearly 200,000 kids play kitchens recalled after 1 reported death" - ABC News
- "KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchen Recall" - Health Canada
