What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice for a specific collection of children’s toys that were marketed under the brands Litti and Prextex. This action, announced on December 21, 2023, targets four distinct product types that were imported into the United States by three separate companies: Perch, Amusty, and Bingo Deals. The recall is significant because it encompasses both dress-up playsets designed for imaginative role-play and DIY slime kits intended for creative crafting. If you purchased any of these items recently, it is important to identify exactly which ones are affected to ensure the safety of your household.
The first group of recalled items consists of two variations of the Litti City dress-up playset. The first variant is the Litti City Premier Doctor Playset, which was sold on Amazon under ASIN B07WMX25SV. This set includes a white doctor outfit along with several accessories designed to mimic medical equipment: blue glasses, a yellow stethoscope, bandages, and a book. The second variant is the Litti City Teacher Purse Playset, identified by Amazon ASIN B08MB3CJD6. This playset features a green purse filled with educational accessories, including glasses, markers, rulers, an eraser, hall passes, learning charts, and stickers. Both of these sets are designed to help children engage in professional role-play scenarios.
In addition to the dress-up sets, the recall includes one Litti Pritti handbag playset, available on Amazon under ASIN B06XQXMQFD. This item is a pink purse that comes with a wallet, makeup items, keys, and a cell phone accessory, allowing for pretend shopping or social play. Finally, the recall covers Prextex-branded DIY take-along slime eggs. These are not single units but rather sets of 12 clear plastic slime eggs, each filled with slime in varying colors. The eggs are packaged together in a blue plastic egg container that has "www.prextex.com" embossed on the top. Each set also includes seven mini bottles of shaped beads and 12 straws for mixing the slime.
While the recall notice does not specify the exact total number of units sold, it is important to note that these products were distributed through major online retailers like Amazon and Walmart, as well as through direct contact from the importer Perch. Because these items are popular toys for young children who often put objects in their mouths during play, the inclusion of both the dress-up accessories and the slime components in this recall means that a wide variety of play styles are affected. If you have any of these specific branded items in your home, particularly those with the Amazon ASIN numbers listed above or the Prextex slime packaging, they fall under this safety alert.
The hazard, explained
When we talk about toy safety, the terms "lead" and "phthalates" often appear in regulatory reports, but they can feel abstract until you understand exactly how they interact with a child’s body. The recall issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on December 21, 2023, focuses on these two specific chemical hazards found in Litti City and Litti Pritti dress-up playsets, as well as Prextex Slime Eggs. To understand why this matters, it helps to look at what is physically happening inside the materials of these products.
First, let’s address phthalates. These are chemicals often added to plastics to make them softer, more flexible, and more durable. In the context of these recalled items, the plastic components—whether they are the handles of the purses, the casing of the slime eggs, or the accessories like stethoscopes and glasses—contain levels of certain phthalates that exceed federal standards. The physical mechanism here is one of migration. Because these chemicals are not permanently bonded into the plastic’s molecular structure, they can slowly leach out over time. For a young child who frequently mouths toys, this means direct ingestion. Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors, which means they can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems. In developing children, whose bodies are more sensitive and still forming, exposure to high levels of these chemicals can potentially lead to developmental issues, reproductive problems, and other long-term health effects.
The second hazard is lead, a heavy metal that was once commonly used in paints and plastics for its durability and bright color retention. The recall notes that the Litti City teacher purse playset, the Litti Pritti handbag playset, and the slime eggs contain levels of lead that exceed the federal ban. Lead does not have a safe level of exposure for children. When a child bites or chews on these items, tiny particles or dust containing lead can enter their system. Unlike phthalates, which disrupt hormones, lead is a potent neurotoxin. It accumulates in the body and attacks the nervous system. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause irreversible damage to a child’s brain and central nervous system, leading to reduced IQ, attention deficits, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. The danger is particularly acute because children often explore their world by putting objects in their mouths, bypassing the digestive tract’s natural barriers and allowing these toxins to enter the bloodstream directly.
It is important to note that while these chemicals are hazardous, they are invisible and odorless. You cannot see, smell, or taste the excess phthalates or lead in the Litti City premier doctor playset, the green purse, the pink handbag, or the clear plastic slime eggs. This invisibility is what makes voluntary recalls and consumer vigilance so critical. The harm does not come from a sharp edge or a choking hazard, but from the slow, cumulative exposure to toxic materials that should not be there in the first place.
Who is most at risk
The primary group at risk from this recall consists of young children who engage in pretend play with these specific dress-up sets and slime products. While the Litti City and Litti Pritti lines are designed to mimic real-world items like doctor kits, teacher purses, and handbags, and while the Prextex Slime Eggs offer a creative DIY activity, their appeal is squarely targeted at kids. These toys encourage imaginative scenarios where children handle small accessories, wear costumes, and manipulate tactile materials. This type of play often involves frequent hand-to-mouth contact, which is a natural part of childhood development but becomes a significant safety concern when the objects involved are contaminated with toxic substances.
The vulnerability of young children in this context stems from their physiological development and behavioral patterns. Toddlers and preschoolers frequently put toys, costumes, and craft supplies into their mouths or touch their faces after handling them. The recalled items contain levels of phthalates and lead that exceed federal safety standards. Phthalates are chemicals often used to make plastics more flexible and durable, while lead is a heavy metal that can be present as an impurity in pigments or materials. When ingested, even in small amounts, these substances pose serious health risks. For developing bodies, the threshold for harm is much lower than it is for adults. Young children’s organs, including their brains and kidneys, are still forming and are more susceptible to damage from toxic exposure.
Lead exposure is particularly dangerous because it can interfere with neurological development. Even low levels of lead in a child’s bloodstream have been linked to behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and reduced IQ. Because lead accumulates in the body over time, repeated exposure through mouthing these contaminated playsets or slime eggs can lead to a buildup that affects cognitive function and physical growth. Phthalates, meanwhile, are known endocrine disruptors. They can mimic hormones in the body, potentially affecting reproductive development and other hormonal functions. While the recall notice notes that no incidents have been reported yet, the potential for harm is real because the exposure route is so direct and common in play environments.
Parents and caregivers who purchase these items for children under the age of six should be especially vigilant. This age group is most likely to explore their surroundings through touch and taste, making them the most vulnerable to ingestion or absorption of hazardous materials. Additionally, any child who has direct access to the slime eggs, which contain colored slime and small beads, faces a risk not only from chemical toxicity but also from choking hazards if the components are small enough. The combination of toxic chemical exposure and physical danger makes this recall critical for households with young kids. If you have these specific Litti City, Litti Pritti, or Prextex items in your home, it is essential to understand that the risk is not just about immediate injury but about long-term health impacts on developing bodies.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
If you have been playing with dress-up toys or making slime recently, it is important to pause and check your items carefully before discarding them. The recall issued on December 21, 2023, targets specific products from the brands Litti City, Litti Pritti, and Prextex. Because these items are often sold as gift sets or party favors, they can look very similar to safe, non-recalled alternatives. To ensure you do not accidentally expose a child to hazardous levels of lead or phthalates, you need to verify the exact contents against the list below. Please note that this recall does not apply to all Litti or Prextex products; it is limited to the specific kits described here.
First, look for the Litti City brand name. There are two distinct doctor-themed playsets involved in this recall. The first is the Litti City Premier Doctor Playset, which typically comes with an Amazon ASIN of B07WMX25SV. You can identify this set by its white doctor outfit and accessories, specifically looking for blue glasses, a yellow stethoscope, bandages, and a book included in the box. The second Litti City item is the Litti City Teacher Purse Playset, identified by ASIN B08MB3CJD6. This set contains a green purse and accessories such as glasses, markers, rulers, an eraser, hall passes, learning charts, and stickers. If you have a Litti City doctor or teacher set that matches these descriptions, it is part of the recall.
Next, check for the Litti Pritti brand. The recalled item here is the Litti Pritti Handbag Playset, with ASIN B06XQXMQFD. This set is characterized by a pink purse and includes accessories like a wallet, makeup items, keys, and a cell phone toy. If you have this specific pink handbag set, it must be stopped immediately.
Finally, inspect any slime toys for the Prextex brand. The recall covers the Prextex-branded DIY Take-Along Slime Eggs. These are not in standard jars but come in a blue plastic egg container with "www.prextex.com" embossed on the top. Inside, you will find twelve clear plastic eggs filled with slime in various colors. The set also includes seven mini bottles of shaped beads and twelve straws. If your slime kit matches this exact packaging and content description, it is included in the recall. Do not rely solely on the brand name; always verify the specific contents and packaging details listed above to be certain.
What to do — step by step
If you own any of the recalled Litti City or Litti Pritti dress-up playsets, or the Prextex Slime Eggs, your immediate priority is to ensure that these items are no longer accessible to children. The recall notice from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is clear on this point: you must stop using these products right away. This is not a suggestion but a necessary safety measure because the toys contain levels of phthalates and, in some cases, lead that exceed federal safety standards. Phthalates are chemicals often used to make plastics more flexible, while lead is a toxic metal. Both substances pose serious health risks if ingested by young children, who naturally explore their world by putting objects in their mouths. Therefore, the very first step is to physically remove every recalled item from your home, your car, or any other location where children might find it. Place them in a secure area that is completely out of reach until you can properly dispose of them. Once the items are safely stored away, you need to initiate the process for getting your money back. The remedy outlined by the CPSC involves a full refund, but there is a specific procedure you must follow to receive it. You should contact Perch, the company responsible for the recall, to get instructions on how to dispose of the product and to obtain proof that you have done so. This proof of destruction is a required component of your refund claim. You can reach Perch by calling their toll-free number at 888-359-4676 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can send an email to playsets@realtimeresults.net or visit their online recall portals at www.recallrtr.com/playsets, https://www.perchhq.com/ (clicking on "Recall" at the top of the page), or https://www.prextex.com/ (also clicking on "Recall"). Following these steps ensures that you are following the official protocol and will help expedite your refund. It is also important to note that you may not need to take any action if you purchased the items directly from certain retailers. Perch, Amazon, and Walmart have stated that they will contact all known purchasers directly with further instructions. If you bought the Litti City premier doctor playset (ASIN B07WMX25SV), the Litti City teacher purse playset (ASIN B08MB3CJD6), the Litti Pritti handbag playset (ASIN B06XQXMQFD), or the Prextex Slime Eggs from one of these three sources, keep an eye on your email or phone for communication from them. They will guide you through their specific return or refund process, which may be simpler than handling it directly with the manufacturer. However, if you do not hear from them within a reasonable time frame, or if you purchased the items from a different store or online marketplace, you must proactively contact Perch using the methods listed above to ensure your safety and financial protection are addressed.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have one of the recalled Litti City dress-up playsets, the Litti Pritti handbag playset, or the Prextex Slime Eggs, it is important to understand that there is no option to repair these items. Because the safety violation involves toxic materials—specifically lead and phthalates—that are built into the composition of the products themselves, they cannot be fixed or made safe through simple cleaning or modification. The only valid remedy offered by the recall is a full refund. This means you will not receive a replacement product, nor will you be able to keep the item for parts or other uses. The consumer protection agencies involved in this recall have determined that the risk posed by the excessive levels of these chemicals outweighs any potential value in retaining the merchandise.
To receive your refund, you must follow a specific two-step process outlined by Perch, the company responsible for handling the recall. First, you are required to dispose of the recalled products immediately. The recall instructions emphasize that consumers should stop using these items right away and arrange for their proper disposal. However, disposing of the item is not enough on its own to trigger the refund. You must provide proof that you have destroyed or discarded the product. This step is crucial because it ensures that the hazardous materials do not remain in circulation, potentially reaching other children who might not be aware of the recall. Without this proof of destruction, your request for a refund may not be processed.
Once you have disposed of the items, you need to contact Perch to initiate the refund process. You can reach them through several channels: by calling their toll-free number at 888-359-4676 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday; by emailing playsets@realtimeresults.net; or by visiting their online recall portals at www.recallrtr.com/playsets, https://www.perchhq.com/ (clicking on "Recall" at the top of the page), or https://www.prextex.com/ (also clicking on "Recall"). When you contact them, be prepared to provide details about your purchase and the proof of destruction. The recall notice specifies that a full refund will be provided after this verification is complete.
If you purchased these items through Amazon or Walmart, there is an additional layer of support available. The recall information indicates that both Amazon and Walmart will contact all known purchasers directly. If you bought the product from one of these retailers, keep an eye on your email or account notifications for instructions from them. They may handle the refund process internally, which could simplify the steps for you. However, if you do not hear from them, or if you purchased from a different retailer or in person, you must proactively contact Perch using the methods described above to ensure you receive your money back.
It is worth noting that while the recall date was December 21, 2023, the obligation to provide refunds remains. Do not delay contacting the support teams if you still possess these items. The goal of this remedy is to remove the hazard from your home and compensate you for a product that failed federal safety standards. By following these steps carefully—disposing of the item, documenting that disposal, and then reaching out to Perch or the retailer—you ensure both your family’s safety and your financial protection.
What can happen if you ignore it
When a recall involves toxic substances like lead and phthalates, the danger is rarely immediate or dramatic. There are no flashing lights, no loud cracks, and no sudden explosions. Instead, the risk accumulates quietly over time, which is precisely why ignoring the warning can be so perilous. If you continue to use these recalled Litti City dress-up playsets, the Litti Pritti handbag playset, or the Prextex Slime Eggs after the recall date of December 21, 2023, you are allowing your child to maintain regular contact with materials that exceed federal safety limits for heavy metals and plasticizers.
The primary concern lies in how young children interact with toys. Playsets designed for dress-up and creative activities are inherently tactile; they are handled, touched, and frequently put into mouths during exploration. Lead is a potent neurotoxin that does not break down easily in the body. When lead-based paint or materials chip off or transfer to hands, it can be ingested through normal hand-to-mouth behavior. Even small amounts of lead exposure can interfere with brain development, potentially leading to reduced IQ, attention deficits, and behavioral issues in children. Because children’s bodies are still growing and their brains are highly vulnerable, the damage from chronic low-level exposure can be irreversible.
Similarly, the phthalates found in these items pose significant long-term health risks. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable, but they are known endocrine disruptors. This means they can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones. In developing children, exposure to high levels of certain phthalates has been linked to reproductive system abnormalities, early puberty in girls, and reduced sperm count in males later in life. These are not minor inconveniences; they are serious physiological changes that can affect a child’s health well into adulthood.
While the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports no incidents or injuries to date for these specific products, this absence of reported harm does not mean the risk is zero. It simply means that widespread exposure has not yet resulted in documented medical cases. However, relying on anecdotal safety is a gamble with your child’s well-being. Every day you keep these items in your home, you increase the window of opportunity for ingestion or prolonged skin contact. Ignoring the recall does not make the hazard disappear; it only delays the potential consequences until exposure becomes significant enough to cause harm. By acting immediately, you eliminate this variable entirely, ensuring that your child’s playtime remains a source of joy rather than a hidden health risk.
