Urgent Recall Issued for Children's Foaming Soap Over Fire Hazard
The UK Government has issued an urgent safety alert and temporary sales suspension for specific batches of a popular children's toiletry product. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) confirmed that certain batches of Kids Stuff Crazy Foaming Soap present serious burn hazards due to their flammable composition.
Flammable Gases Identified in Product Formulation
Government testing revealed that the foaming soap contains butane, isobutane, and propane - all highly flammable gases that can ignite when exposed to open flames or ignition sources. The official risk assessment states: "The product contains butane, isobutane and propane, which are flammable gases. If the product is dispensed on to a flame or other ignition source, or comes into contact with a naked flame, the foam may ignite causing burns to the user."
The affected products come in 200ml containers available in pink, blue, and purple varieties. Laboratory analysis conducted by BBC's Watchdog program demonstrated that the foam can burn for up to fifteen seconds when exposed to ignition sources.
Specific Batch Codes Affected by Recall
The OPSS has identified the following batch codes that must be immediately removed from use:
- Pink Crazy Foaming Soap: Batch 26109E 3, Batch 25947E 1
- Blue Crazy Foaming Soap: Batch 26112E 5, Batch 26112E 4, Batch 25948E 3
- Purple Crazy Foaming Soap: Batch 25651E 3
The recall also applies to any other aerosolised foaming soap products manufactured by Hothouse Beauty Ltd that share similar flammability characteristics. Consumers are urged to check their products immediately and contact retailers if they possess any items with these batch codes.
Previous Incidents Highlight Serious Safety Concerns
This safety alert follows several concerning incidents involving similar products. In 2021, four-year-old Oscar Stubbs-Beddard suffered burns covering seventeen percent of his body when foam soap ignited from a candle during bath time. His father, Jon Beddard, described the traumatic experience: "His skin was peeling off his arms and face like sheets of wallpaper. He was screaming and fitting and shaking, saying he was going to die. It was terrible."
That same year, a three-year-old child was left in critical condition after a Paw Patrol mouldable foam product exploded in the bath. These incidents have raised serious questions about the safety of such products despite existing warning labels.
Manufacturer Response and Safety Warnings
Kids Stuff, the product manufacturer, has acknowledged the temporary suspension notice and stated they are cooperating fully with the OPSS investigation. A company spokesperson emphasized: "Product safety is central to everything we do. The product is labelled as an extremely flammable aerosol and carries clear warnings not to use near naked flames or ignition sources, and to use under adult supervision."
The manufacturer has implemented additional safety measures including cap stickers to reinforce proper usage instructions and confirmed they are developing an updated formulation expected to launch later this year. However, safety experts remain concerned that parents may misinterpret warning labels, believing they apply only to the aerosol container rather than the flammable product itself.
Regulatory Action and Consumer Guidance
The OPSS has determined there are reasonable grounds to suspect the products violate Regulation 5 of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. Officials stated the products "pose a safety risk, particularly to vulnerable persons including children" when used under normal conditions.
Cosmetic scientist Colin Sanders has expressed serious concerns about the product's combustible components and called for immediate reformulation. Meanwhile, the OPSS continues to investigate while maintaining the sales suspension on affected batches.
Consumers who have purchased any Kids Stuff Crazy Foaming Soap should immediately check batch codes, discontinue use of affected products, and contact their retailer for further instructions. The manufacturer stresses that all bath time products should be used strictly according to package instructions with constant adult supervision, particularly in environments where open flames or heated instruments might be present.
