Recalled Items That Put Canadian Kids At Risk

Let's face it: toy and product recalls often make the news, but most of us forget about them almost as quickly as they appear. The real issue? Some of these child safety recalls are genuinely serious, yet the rapid-fire news cycle means that many Canadian families don't hear about them until too late. 

On top of that, weaker oversight in the United States and an increase in risky consumer products over the past year have created a worrying trend. More dangerous items are ending up on store shelves, and without timely alerts, families may be exposed to hazards they aren't even aware of. 

So, how can parents stay informed? Health Canada is a great resource for recall information, but staying informed means doing more than just skimming headlines. By regularly checking Health Canada's recent recall database, parents can catch important warnings before they turn into emergencies. 

Not sure where to begin? We'll break down what qualifies as a recall, highlight some Health Canada recalls that have affected Canadian families, and explain how Health Canada is responding.  

What counts as a major recall?

In Canada, a major recall is issued when a product intended for children is found to pose a significant safety risk. To determine whether 

• The product must present a direct danger to children, such as choking, suffocation, accidental ingestion, or harmful chemical exposure. 
• Health Canada must issue an official recall alert for this item. 
• The product in question should also be specifically designed for or marketed to children. 
• The product is widely distributed or has the potential to reach a large number of children. 

Recent recalls that affected Canadian families

This roundup includes recall information on toys and kid-focused consumer goods, such as snacks and infant gear. 

Baby product recall Canada: 

Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleeper (2019)

• Linked to over 30 infant deaths in the U.S. due to positional asphyxia; over 100,000 sold in Canada.
• Recalled following U.S. CPSC action, Health Canada later issued its own alert.
• Remains a cautionary example of delayed coordination between markets.
• Health Canada recall | U.S. CPSC recall

Toy recalls Canada: 

Calico Critters Animal Figures & Accessories (2023)

• Recalled after two toddler deaths involving pacifier and bottle accessories that posed choking hazards.
• Over 3 million units affected; Canada participated in the recall.
• Shows how even cute, collectible toys can pose deadly risks if small parts detach.
• Parents.com | Health Canada recall

Lovevery Slide & Seek Ball Run (2024)

• Marketed as a premium, Montessori-inspired toy — but wooden knobs posed a choking hazard.
• 4,500 units sold in Canada; 40,000+ in U.S.
• A reminder that even high-trust brands can miss key safety details.
• Parents.com | Health Canada recall | U.S. CPSC recall

Food recalls Canada 2025

MadeGood Granola Bars (2025)

• Voluntarily recalled due to possible metal fragments in snack bars — a proactive move by a trusted brand.
• No reported injuries, but a high volume of affected product and wide distribution made it a headline story.
• A strong example of good recall behaviour in contrast to more delayed responses.
• Health Canada recall | MadeGood official statement

How Health Canada has responded

Health Canada has developed a modern system to help keep parents informed about product safety. This system features faster digital alerts, easier ways for consumers to report problems, and stronger enforcement tools. 

Thanks to the Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act, Health Canada can take action by enforcing recalls, stopping sales, issuing warnings, or even prosecuting manufacturers when necessary. Still, the system mainly responds to issues after they arise, so parents continue to play the most important role in keeping their children safe. 

What these recalls show

Recalls play a crucial role in keeping parents informed about some of the most common hazards, such as choking, suffocation, metal ingestion, and chemical exposure. They also remind us that even popular, well-marketed products aren't always safe—just because something is trusted doesn't mean it's risk-free. Despite their importance, recalls also highlight a gap in public awareness, as many parents don't hear about them until long after the fact. 

Why it matters in 2025

Staying up to date on product recalls is more important than ever in 2025, especially as U.S. Safety enforcement is becoming less reliable and CDC lead-tracking efforts face new limitations. As a result, Health Canada's role in protecting families has never been more crucial. However, parents need to recall information to be easy to find, not buried in scattered alerts. 

The good news is that Today's Parent has stepped in to help. Find new recalls for families in our regularly updated Recalls section.