Primark Highlighters Recalled in Maryland, Florida, and Illinois Over Toxic Chemical Risk

According to a press release from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Primark has issued a recall for approximately 2,600 units of its DTR Stitch 4-pack Scented Highlighters due to the presence of phthalates—a chemical banned under federal law for certain children’s products. These highlighters, which were sold in several states including Maryland, pose a potential health risk if ingested by young children.

The highlighters were sold exclusively at Primark retail locations in the northeastern U.S., Florida, Maryland, and Illinois from May 2024 through May 2025 for about $5. Designed to resemble slushie cups with drinking straws, each highlighter features a character from the Disney “Stitch” franchise and comes in yellow, blue, pink, and green. The product’s Kimball Number (0688701) is listed on the price tag on the back of the packaging. While no injuries or incidents have been reported, the chemical content violates federal safety standards for phthalates, which are linked to adverse health effects.

Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the product and return it to any Primark store for a full refund in the original form of payment. This recall affects families who may have purchased the product for young children, and returning the item will help ensure household safety.

Primark US Corp., based in Boston, imported the product from China. The CPSC warns that federal law prohibits the sale or resale of any product that has been recalled voluntarily or by government order. Residents with concerns about the return process or company response are encouraged to contact Primark at 617-946-3236 or visit www.primark.com/recall for further instructions.

Article by multiple contributors, based upon information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission press release.

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