Parents warned not to use free toothbrushes given out in Hull

Hull Council said it was encouraging people to stop using the brushes following concerns over a potential choking hazard

Parents and carers of children aged three and under have been warned to stop using a toothbrush issued to thousands of families in Hull.

Hull Council said concerns had been raised over Brushing for Life packs given out free to parents and carers.

It followed reports from some parents that the suction cup on the bottom of the brush could be easily removed.

The supplier, The Toothbrush Rack, has opted to voluntarily recall the brushes.

About 4,500 of the packs, which contain a toothbrush and toothpaste, were given out to community groups across Hull in a number of ways, including by health visitors, Hull City Council's early help team, and at various events.

However, a council spokesperson said several parents had reported a suction cup on the bottom of the brush could be "detached easily, making it a choking hazard".

The supplier has confirmed it will replace the faulty products as part of a product recall, Hull City Council said

Julia Weldon, director of public health at Hull City Council, said: "Working with our NHS colleagues, we are taking immediate action to encourage all parents and carers to stop using these brushes and dispose of them.

"We began informing parents before the voluntary recall was confirmed, as it is simply not worth waiting when children could potentially be at risk."

Ms Weldon said no children had come to any harm and added: "The supplier has confirmed it will replace the faulty products as part of the recall."

Justine Rooke, general manager for children's and learning disability services at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The health and safety of the children and families we work with are always at the forefront of everything we do.

"Anyone whose child has one of the brushes is advised to immediately stop using it and dispose of it."

A spokesperson for The Toothbrush Rack said since March the company had produced and supplied its own toothbrushing packs with a different toothbrush.

After being contacted by Trading Standards The Toothbrush Rack "instantly agreed" to recall and replace the packs supplied, the spokesperson said.

"We will continue to work with Hull City Council to identify and replace any packs we have supplied to further minimise any potential risk," they added.