Safety recall for childrens woolly hats

The hats — designed to look like animals or film and TV characters — are from various sources, and some have failed trading standards safety tests throughout the UK.

Jennifer Hampton, East Renfrewshire council’s senior trading standards officer, said: “Not all hats of this style are dangerous.

“However, if one loop goes through another to secure the hat on the child’s head, then chances are it is of the dangerous type.

“Also, if the tiers are very long and can be tied under the chin, the child could become trapped in play equipment or moving vehicles.”

She added: “Trading standards officers will be visiting stores to make sure the hats are not available for sale.

“However, we cannot be everywhere so we would ask parents and the public to report any of the stores selling hats to us.

“If anyone has already bought one of the hats, please try and return it to the store where it was purchased for a refund.”

Shops selling the hats can be reported to Citizens Advice on 08454 04 05 06.

Big name stores have been affected too, as Sainsbury’s has issued a recall for batches of grey fur animal hats in three age categories; 3-6 years, 7-10 years and 11-12 years (1-2 years and 2-3 years are not affected).

Vincent Waters, ERC environment convener, commented: “These novelty hats are very popular with children and many would have received one as a Christmas present.

“However, the risks are too high and I’m sure parents would rather their children lose their hats than risk their lives.”