Popular $19 Christmas tree recalled over choking hazard
A popular budget Christmas tree has been recalled after it was found to pose a “severe injury or death” risk for young children.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Safety Commission has issued a recall over the West Avenue 1.8m and 2.1m Snow Tipped Artificial Christmas Trees which were sold nationally by online retailer Catch.com.au.
The popular $19 tree is painted with white tips and has artificial snow stuck to the branches. It’s now been revealed the fake snow poses a “hazard” to young children.
Designed with 1290 tips, the tree is full of small polystyrene beans which may become loose and fall off the tree.
“The polystyrene artificial snow on the tips of the trees' branches may fall off,” the ACCC recall states.
“The artificial snow may pose a choking or suffocation hazard for young children, which can lead to severe injury or death.”
What Catch.com.au customers should do
The Christmas tree was available nationally online between October 5, 2021 and November 25, 2021.
Catch.com.au states the tree is currently out of stock after selling out.
Customers who have purchased the tree are being asked to immediately dismantle and dispose of the tree.
“Stop using the tree immediately, dismantle the tree and wrap the tree in a plastic bag, and dispose of the tree and any fallen polystyrene beans,” the recall warns.
“Customers should contact Catch.com.au to be given a full refund.”
It was noted by the ACCC this recall did not apply to any other West Avenue Christmas Trees.
Tree a popular choice with customers
The budget Christmas tree appears to have been a popular item, with numerous Catch customers giving it a 5-star review.
“This seemed too good to be true at $19..... and yet I couldn't have been happier with my purchase, beautiful sturdy tree - high quality with bonus little for cones all over it. Looks beautiful and stylish, thank you, best buy ever!” one customer said.
“This tree is amazing, by far the best tree I’ve bought by far. I was skeptical because of the price and had my old tree as backup but can assure you that the old tree was thrown out straight after fluffing the first layer,” added another.
Customers who purchased the tree are being asked to contact Catch.com.au by email at recalls@catch.com.au for any further questions regarding the recalled products.
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