ALERT: Thousands of children's flip flops recalled amid health concerns

In an urgent announcement, thousands of pairs of children's footwear are being recalled due the presence of dangerous chemicals above the permitted levels.

In a public notice, Ireland's Competition and Consumer Protection Commission says Gem Imports Limited is currently carrying out the recall of Hoot Girls Printed Flip Flops.

It says the risk the presented by the impacted products is chemical "due to exposure to restricted phthalates over permitted limits".

According to the notice, exposure to to these chemicals "can harm children’s health by potentially damaging their reproductive system."

There are approximately 3,096 affected products in the Republic of Ireland - read the CCPC public notice here.

The brand is Hoot. The type/number of model is TOY5313/OB. The batch number is 12034. The barcode is 5056283853135.

According to Gem Imports Limited, it is the "UK's premier online importer and wholesale supplier of discount product ranges and pound lines". The company is a direct wholesale supplier of goods and products it sources in the Far East.

It's not known how many stores in Ireland stock Hoot products.

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A similar recall notice was issued in the UK on February 6.

Customers in Ireland are being advised they should stop using the product, keep it out of the reach of children and return the item to the point of purchase for a full refund.

If you know someone else who has purchased this product, please ask them to stop using the product immediately and return it for a full refund.

If customers have any further queries in relation to this notice, please email Gem Imports Limited at customerservice@gem-imports.co.uk or phone 01 4854980.