Millions of Playtex Plates and Dishes Recalled Over Child Choking Hazard

Playtex has issued a national recall for nearly 4 million plastic plates, bowls and mealtime sets marketed for use by young children, indicating that the plastic coating that covers the products may peel off and pose a choking hazard to children. 

The Children’s Playtex plates and bowls recall was announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on October 3, following hundreds of reports of problems, including at least four instances where children choked on the peeling plastic from Playtex plates and dishes.

The recalled children’s mealtime plates have a clear plastic layer over the graphics, which can peel or bubble at the surface of the plates and bowls.

The company indicates that it is aware of at least 372 reports of the clear plastic layer over the graphics bubbling or peeling, with at least 11 reports involving pieces of the plastic found in childrens’ mouths.

The recalled Playtex plates, bowls, and mealtime set are white polypropylene plates and bowls with a colored rim on top and a non-slip bottom. Playtex is written on the bottom of the plates and bowls, and the products may be sold separately, or together as the mealtime set.

The products are decorated with a printed design on them, including cars, construction scenes, giraffes, princesses, superheroes, and other whimsical designs.

The plates, bowls, and sets are sold at Babies “R” Us, Target, Walmart and other retail stores across the country, as well as sold online at amazon.com. They were sold from October 2009 through August 2017 for approximately $2.50 for a single plate or bowl and $15 for the mealtime set.

While Playtex operates out of Connecticut, the plastic dinnerware products are manufactured in China. The recall includes 3.6 million units sold in the United States and 1.9 million sold in Canada.

Consumers are encouraged to stop using the products, take them away from children immediately, and contact Playtex for a full refund. Consumers can contact Playtex toll-free at 888-220-2075 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.playtexproducts.com.