WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal consumer safety regulators have issued major product recalls for multiple brands of pull-string silicone teething toys sold online through Amazon, warning parents and caregivers that the toys pose a life-threatening choking hazard to infants and toddlers.
According to notices released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the silicone “tentacle” strings on the affected toys are thinner and longer than permitted under mandatory federal toy safety standards. The non-compliant dimensions allow the flexible strings to extend deep into a young child’s throat and become lodged, leading to airway obstruction and severe respiratory distress.
Affected Brands and Specific Models
The recalled teething toys share a similar basic design: an off-white or light-colored disc-shaped body featuring a central colored ball, soft pop-button fidget elements, and six multi-colored silicone pull-strings running through the center.
Key brands included in the recall actions include:
- GOPO TOYS Pull-String Teething Toys: Approximately 70,410 units recalled. The toys were sold on Amazon between August 2023 and March 2026 for $11 to $15. Affected batch numbers printed on the back of the packaging include 250905, 250530, 250120, 240315, 231005, and 230610. CPSC has received three reports of the toy’s strings reaching the back of a child’s throat, causing choking or respiratory distress.
- Tiyol Pull-String Teething Toys (ZW Creations): Approximately 102,430 units recalled. The packaging is labeled with Model no. 688-59. The CPSC has documented 11 reports of choking incidents associated with this model.
- LiKee Pull-String Teething Toys (ChilanTech): Distributed on Amazon for $11 to $15, featuring an off-white disc with a blue central ball and six flexible tentacle strings.
- ETETOO Pull-String Activity Toys: CPSC also issued a public safety warning regarding ETETOO-branded pull-string toys sold by Dongguan Takatu Technology Co. after the distributor failed to agree to an official recall remedy.
Additional similar pull-string teething products have been flagged by safety regulators, and parents are encouraged to check the official CPSC Recall Database for a complete listing.
High-Risk Design Violations
Teething toys are specifically marketed to infants and young toddlers—the developmental demographic most susceptible to accidental asphyxiation and oral fixation hazards.
Hazard Notice: “The recalled teething toys violate mandatory toy safety standards because the silicone strings are smaller in diameter and longer than permitted. The strings can reach the back of children’s throats and become lodged, posing a serious risk of respiratory distress and deadly choking,” the CPSC stated.
In multiple documented cases, children experienced choking or gagging episodes that required immediate adult intervention to clear the airway.
Immediate Action Required for Parents and Caregivers
Public health officials urge caregivers to take the following steps immediately:
- Stop Use Immediately: Take the teething toy away from infants and children immediately.
- Destroy the Product: Use heavy scissors to cut off all silicone pull strings. Write the word “DESTROYED” or “RECALLED” in permanent marker across the main plastic body of the toy.
- Submit Proof for Refund or Replacement: Take a photo of the rendered-useless toy and email it to the designated manufacturer contact (e.g., recalls@gopotoys.com for GOPO TOYS or tiyolrecall@outlook.com for Tiyol products) to receive a full refund or replacement.
- Report Safety Incidents: If a child has experienced gagging, choking, or respiratory distress while using any teething product, seek medical attention immediately and report the incident online at SaferProducts.gov.
