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- Lidl is recalling PAW Patrol snacks in the UK due to an explicit website link on the packaging.
- The URL links to pornographic content and used to be the domain name for the snack maker.
- Lidl urged customers to not view the website and return the products at its stores to get a refund.
Lidl is recalling "PAW Patrol" branded snacks from its UK stores as the website shown on the packaging now carried explicit content.
The German chain said four products branded with the children's TV show characters were being recalled because the supplier's website had been "compromised" and directed users to content "not suitable for child consumption."
PAW Patrol is a popular kids' TV show that first aired in 2013, with a movie following in 2021. Brands, including movies and TV shows, often license characters to manufacturers to put on their products.
Insider accessed the mobile version of the website and found that it shows Chinese pornographic content. The desktop version of the website displays an error message in Mandarin.
"We recommend that customers refrain from viewing the URL and return this product to the nearest store where a full refund will be given," Lidl said in its product recall notice.
🚨 URGENT RECALL: Four types of Paw Patrol snacks are being recalled by Lidl after a website URL listed on the back of the packaging was compromised with explicit content unsuitable for children.
— Which? (@WhichUK) August 30, 2023
Customers should return the products to their nearest Lidl store for a full refund. pic.twitter.com/xMqX34CWid
WhoIs, a public database on domain registry, shows the website is registered to an individual in Jiangsu, China.
The same URL used to link to a page for the Paw Patrol products manufacturer Appy Kids Co, per an archived version of the website on Wayback Machine from 2021. The company was later dissolved in 2022, according to public records.
The archived site also showed that the company once manufactured "Barbie" and "Hot Wheels" branded snacks.
Lidl did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider, made outside normal working hours.