A TOY dump truck, that could break into small pieces when dropped, has been recalled amid fears it could pose a choking threat to young children.

South Australia’s commissioner for consumer affairs Mal Hemmerling said more than 2000 of the plastic trucks were sold nationally through The Reject Shop outlets.

Safety inspectors from South Australia’s Office of Consumer and Business Affairs detected problems with the truck during a product safety campaign targeting stores selling toys intended for children aged under three.

The truck was subjected to a number of tests and failed to meet mandatory safety standards.

“The safety standard requires that toys intended for children in this age group do not contain small parts and will not easily break into small parts if dropped,” Mr Hemmerling said.

“Children can be boisterous with their play, particularly if playing with trucks, so it is essential that these toys are soundly constructed so that they will not easily break into small parts.

“Small pieces of the toy can be hazardous for young children if ingested or inhaled.”

The truck was priced at $10 and first went on sale in October last year.

Mr Hemmerling said The Reject Shop was the sole importer and distributor of the toy and had removed all stock nationally and issued a recall.

Anybody who bought one of the trucks was urged to return it to the place of purchase for a refund.