Music Start: Important Safety information
We distributed 100,000 Music Start packs containing books and instruments for children to Sure Start Children's Centres from April to July 2008. One of the instruments in the packs was a wooden cymbal.
We have written to parents and Sure Start Centres alerting them that the cymbal included in the Music Start Packs was found to be non-compliant with European toy safety standards and presents a potential health and safety risk. We are advising parents to return them via their local Sure Start Centre immediately.
Independent testing of the product has revealed that it contains chromium, which can be toxic. In addition some of the cymbals have broken exposing a metal edge which could be dangerous. Furthermore there is a small wooden piece that may represent a choking hazard to young children.
The levels of chromium found present a negligible risk to children and are within the margin of environmental and normal human intake. However, if ingested in large quantities, chromium can be toxic and for this reason there are European Standards relating to its use in toys. Whilst it is highly improbable that children could ingest toxic levels of chromium from this product, the levels found exceed the relevant safety standards.
Please see further information below, for advice for parents and teachers on what to do next if they are in possession of a wooden cymbal from a Music Start pack. A helpline for concerned consumers has been set up - any parents or teachers who are concerned can contact us for further details on 020 7902 1060. A downloadable summary of the toxicology report can also be found at the bottom of this page.
Parents that have received Music Start packs between April and July 2008:
Please return the cymbal from your pack to the Sure Start Children's Centre from which you received the pack.
Sure Start Children's Centres that have distributed Music Start packs:
We have written to you with further details of the recall. However, if you have not received this letter please email musicstart(at)youthmusic.org.uk or call 020 7902 1060.
A help line for concerned consumers has been set up - any parents or Sure Start Children's Centre staff who are concerned can contact us for further details on 020 7902 1060.
All press contacts should be directed to Jess Tozer, 0207 492 0911 or jess.tozer(at)77pr.co.uk
A summary of the toxicology report can be downloaded here:
Youth Music
Youth Music exists to facilitate and fund high quality and diverse musical experiences for young people up to the age of 18, particularly those living in areas of social and economic need.