A MUM has issued an urgent warning to other parents after her daughter’s £5 Primark toy caught fire.
Julie Brown, from Edinburgh, said 11-year-old Cara was gifted the penguin microwavable heat pack for Christmas.
Describing the soft toy on their website, Primark bosses said the “safe, convenient and absolutely adorable” item meant the days of risking spillages and burns with hot water bottles are gone.
They added: “Crafted to look and feel like almost any other cuddly toy, these soothing stuffed animals are full of heat releasing beads which, once warmed in the microwave, will continue to feel hot for an extended period of time making them perfect for cuddling up to.
“Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a gift for a loved one, this is sure to be a new essential in the home.”
Julie, 48, said Cara followed all the instructions as she tried to use the heat pack for the first time.
But the schoolgirl was forced to watch in horror as it caught fire, with smoke billowing from it.
Julie told Edinburgh Live on Friday : “My daughter was gifted this microwaveable penguin from her great aunt for Christmas.
“Last night it started to burn when we followed the instructions and attempted to heat it before bedtime.
“We cut it open afterwards and found the oat filling was still inside the plastic casing.
“My daughter followed the instructions and put it into the microwave.
“After approximately 40 seconds she noticed smoke coming out of the microwave and asked her dad to come and look at it.”
She added: “Ross then took it out the microwave after sending her out of the kitchen. The penguin was cold but smoke coming out of it and it was stuck to the glass plate inside the microwave.
“He pulled it off and threw it into the garden as smoke was still billowing out of it.”
Primark bosses have insisted the product meets health and safety standards but apologised to the family.
A spokesperson for the store said: “We were very sorry to learn of this customer’s experience and we are in contact with them directly.
“We take the safety and the quality of all our products very seriously and the soft toy microwavable heat pack is compliant with all UK and European safety standards.
“The product comes with user instructions on both the outer packaging and label sewn onto the plush cover with a warning to remove all packaging including the plush cover and plastic bag from the wheat bag before heating in the microwave.”
