Laughing Koala Recalls Montessori UFO Toy
The pull string toy has been recalled in Australia due to potential choking and asphyxiation hazards.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Toddlers
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The Laughing Koala has issued a product recall for its Montessori UFO pull string toy. Regulators warn that the product does not meet mandatory safety standards for young children.
Why it matters
The toy features long silicone strings that can reach a child's throat and may detach small parts, posing significant choking and asphyxiation risks. Officials have mandated the recall to ensure the safety of infants and toddlers.
The mandatory safety standard for children's toys in Australia covers items designed for users up to 36 months of age. The recall confirms the product fails to meet these specific regulatory requirements.
The players
The Laughing Koala
The Laughing Koala is the manufacturer responsible for the production and distribution of the recalled toy.
The details
The Montessori UFO pull string toy presents a risk of asphyxiation because the silicone strings are long enough to reach the back of a child's throat. Additionally, small parts can detach from the toy, increasing the risk of choking.
Timeline
The product recall was announced on 23 October 2026.
Culture Shift
This recall underscores the strict enforcement of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission mandatory toy safety standards. It reflects a broader societal shift prioritising rigorous product testing to protect vulnerable children from avoidable household hazards.
Parents and carers must stop using the toy immediately and place it out of reach of children to prevent injury. To complete the recall process, users must cut the pull strings and photograph the toy before disposing of it.
The takeaway
Parents should regularly inspect children's toys for loose parts or dangerous lengths that could pose a choking hazard. When a recall is issued, following the specific disposal instructions is essential for child safety.
Further reading
Learn more about child safety and development at Toddlers.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ACCC Product Safety.
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