Parts of children's gardening set recalled in Canada due to 'excess lead'

Health Canada has recalled a children’s wheelbarrow and garden set that was sold across Canada and the US.

The cause of the recall is that the Stanley-Branded set poses an excess amount of lead.

According to the recall, 60,480 units were sold in Canada and another 352,196 were sold in the US between February and June 2024.

The recall involves the long hoe and rake in the Stanley Jr. Kids wheelbarrow and 7-piece Garden Set with model number 1662178.

The label reads “Red Toolbox” and has a manufacturing date of December 2023.

“The surface coating material on the long hoe and rake contain levels of lead in excess of the allowable limit under the Toys Regulations, posing a risk of lead exposure to children,” the recall said.

“Lead is toxic if ingested, especially to children.”

Exposure to lead include anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, serious brain injury, convulsions, coma and effects to the liver, kidneys, heart and immune system, Health Canada noted.

The agency said that because lead builds up in the body, ongoing exposure to even very small amounts can lead to large amounts being found in the body.

As of Aug. 6, 2024, there have been no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada or the Us, however.

Anyone who bought the product is advised to immediately stop using the loong hoe and rake from the set, visit Red Toolbox’s recall website for information about a free replacement.

The products should be disposed of in “accordance with local environment requirements.”

More information about the Health Canada recall can be found here.