The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled approximately 70,000 GOPO Toys Pull String Teething Toys on June 19, 2026, after three reports of the product's silicone strings reaching the back of young children's throats and causing choking or respiratory distress.

The hazard is structural. The silicone strings on the toy — the pull-string "tentacles" that give it its sensory function — are smaller in diameter and longer in length than what the mandatory federal safety standard for toys permits. That combination allows the strings to extend far enough to create a choking risk for infants and young toddlers using the toy as intended.

What Families Should Do Now

The CPSC's instructions are specific:

1. Stop using the toy immediately and remove it from your child's reach.
2. Cut all silicone strings off the toy.
3. Write the word "DESTROYED" on the main body of the toy using a permanent marker.
4. Take a photograph of the destroyed toy.
5. Email the photograph to recalls@gopotoys.com to receive a full refund.

The refund process requires the destruction photo — the company will not issue a refund for returned units alone.

Why These Recalls Matter for COS Families

Silicone teething toys have become popular over the past several years for their durability and ease of cleaning. Most are safe. But when a design flaw affects the size or shape of strings or appendages — as in this case — the hazard is not visible to the consumer at the point of purchase. The strings look intentional. They are. The problem is that they are the wrong size, and that difference matters when an infant puts them in their mouth.

When a recall like this is issued, sharing the information quickly is the most effective thing families can do. If you know parents of infants or toddlers who may have this product, pass this along.

What's Next

Check your home for the GOPO Toys Pull String Teething Toy and follow the refund steps above. For the full recall notice and additional details, visit cpsc.gov and search "GOPO Toys." The CPSC maintains a current list of all open recalls at cpsc.gov/Recalls.