More Than 330,000 Baby Pacifiers Recalled Over Choking Hazard

Houston-based Mushie & Co. is recalling hundreds of thousands of pacifiers because of an issue that may pose a choking hazard.

The problem with the FRIGG Silicone Pacifiers is that there is a "fine slit" at the base of the nipple that can cause it to detach from the plastic shield, the recall alert on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) website noted, adding that the issue can pose a choking hazard.

Mushie & Co., the importer, has received eight reports of the nipple getting detached, while Danish manufacturer FRIGG has received about 200 such reports from outside the U.S. Fortunately, there have been no reports of any injuries, but customers are being urged to stop using the pacifiers and contact Mushie & Co. to get a full refund or credit.

"To obtain a full refund or credit, consumers should cut the silicone nipple from the base of the pacifier and send a photograph of both the detached silicone nipple and the base of the pacifier to Mushie & Co.," the company said. "Consumers should then properly dispose of the pacifier by placing both pieces into the garbage."

Recalled pacifiers

The affected silicone pacifiers came in Classic and Daisy designs, with the former having a round plastic shield and the latter having a scalloped plastic shield. They were sold in two sizes – 0-6 months and 6-18 months – and have the brand name FRIGG on the handle. The affected pacifiers were sold in more than 40 colors at various stores nationwide and also online from April to December 2021.

Photos of the recalled pacifiers are available on both the CSPC and the company websites. Some 333,725 pacifiers are affected by the recall.

Customers with questions about the recall can contact Mushie & Co. at 877-687-4431.

"We are currently re-engineering the silicon component design before releasing the silicone pacifiers into production again," FRIGG noted, stating that it has halted production of the pacifiers immediately. "We deeply apologize and appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this matter as the safety of our customers and children are our utmost priority."

Pacifier safety

There are some important tips people should remember for pacifier safety. One is to make sure that the pacifier "cannot possibly come apart," the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) noted. It's also important to make sure the pacifier is age-appropriate. Choose a product wherein the shield is at least 3.8 centimeters across so that the entire pacifier won't be able to fit inside an infant's mouth.

The organization also stressed the importance of "never" tying a pacifier to the crib or around the child's hand or neck as it is "very dangerous" and may even cause injury or death. Parents should also make sure to check their child's pacifiers for signs of deterioration so that they know when it's time to replace them.