In an urgent consumer safety development, Health Canada has issued a nationwide recall for Oracare baby toothbrushes sold at Dollarama stores across the country, following alarming discoveries that could put infants at serious risk. The announcement comes after testing revealed the products can break apart during use, creating potentially life-threatening choking hazards for young children.
The recall specifically targets approximately 21,600 Oracare baby toothbrushes distributed to Canadian Dollarama locations between January 2022 and July 2024. Health officials identified that small parts can detach from the toothbrush during normal use—a particularly dangerous situation given these products are designed specifically for infants who are already at heightened risk for choking incidents.
“Consumer safety recalls of this nature demand immediate attention from parents,” explained Dr. Marian Reynolds, pediatric safety specialist at Toronto Children’s Hospital. “Toothbrushes used by babies often receive considerable manipulation and chewing, making structural integrity absolutely essential.”
The affected products are easily identifiable by their product number 14-3036358 and Universal Product Code (UPC) 667888315200, both clearly marked on the packaging. Health Canada’s testing protocols revealed that the toothbrushes failed to meet mandatory safety standards established for infant care products.
As of the announcement date, Dollarama has confirmed receiving six separate complaints regarding the defective toothbrushes, though fortunately, no injuries have been reported. The retailer has immediately removed all remaining inventory from store shelves nationwide.
Parents and caregivers in possession of these toothbrushes are strongly advised to stop using them immediately. The official recall notice outlines that consumers should return the products to any Dollarama location for a full refund, with no receipt required for this specific safety recall.
This incident represents part of a concerning trend in consumer product safety issues affecting children’s items. According to Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety database, recalls for children’s products have increased 14% over the previous year, with oral care items representing a growing segment of these safety concerns.
“The particularly troubling aspect of this recall is the extended time these products remained in circulation,” noted consumer advocate Jennifer Mackenzie. “Nearly two and a half years of distribution means these toothbrushes are present in thousands of Canadian households, creating an urgent need for widespread communication about the risks.”
The Oracare recall underscores the critical importance of Canada’s product safety monitoring systems. Health Canada continues to work with manufacturers and retailers to ensure adherence to the stringent safety requirements outlined in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act.
As parents across the country check their nurseries for these potentially dangerous items, one question emerges with particular urgency: How can our regulatory systems be strengthened to identify these safety issues before products spend years on store shelves and in Canadian homes?
