One particular model of the popular Israeli toddler tricycle known in Hebrew as the “Bimba Juke” has been discovered to be unsafe for children. The Chief of product safety for the Treasury and the Standards Institute of Israel (SII) have determined that the tricycle, which does not have pedals, is unsafe for infants and toddlers as it endangers them and contains dangerous chemicals.

The toy tricycle, often sold in many toy stores across the country are okay, except for one model which was made in China by the Hang Wing Plastic Industry Co.LTD. This model of the toy was found most commonly in “Idan 2000” grocery store chain and bares the barcode 7290000120089.

The SII stated that the toy does not comply with safety standards for children that age. The Treasury claims that the toys carry a high amount of chemicals that exceed the safety limits and are illegal in children’s toys used by children ages 0-3 and older. The chemicals are added to the plastic in order to make it more flexible, but they have been known to cause hormonal irregularities among children should any part of the plastic be ingested. In addition, there are problems with regards to the manufacturing of the toy, which may lead to the collapse or falling over of the toy as well as lacking certain information with regards to warning signs and the instructions guiding the use of the device.

A recall has been issued for the toys by the importer, Ice Toys, and consumers have been asked to bring the back for an exchange or refund or to dispose of them immediately. No year of manufacturing was listed in the recall, just the model number, and importer. As these types of tricycles have been sold in Israel for years, and are quite popular, the collection will be difficult to manage.

Consumers who desire further information regarding the recall are invited to contact the importer at the following number 054-924-7609.

Idan 2000 grocery chain issued a statement that said: “The issue is regarding a very small number of Bimbas from August 2018, that were already grabbed off the shelves by consumers in September. All the other Bimbas that are sold in our stores meet all required safety standards. Those who purchased this model of Bimba are invited to bring them back to any store with the receipt and they will receive a cash rebate or refund.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)