How to Check Whether a Recalled Children's Toy Is in Your Home
A recall involving the Melissa & Doug Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board is prompting parents to inspect their toy bins. This guide explains which date codes and markings identify the affected trucks, why the toy is a hazard, and how to get a refund, credit, or replacement.
A Trusted Toy That Could Come Apart
WSAZ reported that about 84,000 units of the Lights & Sounds Fire Truck Activity Board, sold at Target, have been recalled. The fire hose port on the board can loosen and detach. Once it comes free, the part becomes a choking hazard that could cause serious injury. The instructions from the recall are direct: take the toy away from children and stop using it immediately.
The Markings That Identify a Recalled Truck
Not every fire truck from this line is included. The recalled batch can be found by checking the packaging and the toy itself.
Look first for a date code printed on the product packaging. These codes mean the toy is part of the recall:
- OET 25100
- OET 25150
- OET 26064
Then check for a two-arrow marking. Affected units have one arrow pointing to the number 25 and a second arrow pointing to the number 4 or 5. Other affected units have one arrow pointing to the number 26 and a second arrow pointing to the number 3.
If the code on your package matches one of the three OET numbers, treat the toy as recalled. The arrow configuration may be hard to read if the packaging is worn or missing, so the date code alone should be enough to remove the truck from play.
How to Get a Replacement or Refund
The company has set up a dedicated recall page with instructions. Families can register at www.melissaanddoug.com/recall. Those who register can choose one of three options: a free replacement toy, a $30 refund, or a $40 Melissa & Doug store credit.
Before registering, check nearby play areas for any pieces that may have already separated from the truck. If the hose port or any small part is found, put it out of reach so siblings or visitors do not pick it up.
Why Families Should Not Rely on Memory
Toy recalls depend heavily on small production codes because a defect can take months to show up. A hose port may hold firmly at first, then wear down with use. Parents can remember when they bought the toy and where, but the date code is what tells the manufacturer which units left the factory in the risky batch.
That is why the recall notice includes both codes and arrow markings. It gives families a way to separate a potentially dangerous truck from a safe one without guessing. When a toy is recalled, checking the exact marking matters more than recognizing the name on the box.