August 6th 2025 (Chicago, IL) – Backyard Kids of Plano, Texas has issued a voluntary recall of 192,000 KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchens due to a risk of strangulation. To date, one death has been reported. A 23-month old became asphyxiated in February 2023 when the back of his shirt got caught on the hooks of the play kitchen while he was climbing through the space where play pots and pans were designed to be held.
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Why Have KidKraft Farm to Table Play Kitchens Been Recalled?
The recall involves a strangulation hazard. The play kitchens, originally manufactured by KidKraft, Inc., have hooks located at the opening in the back of the product that are meant to hold accessories, like play pots and pans. When children are crawling on the play kitchen, their clothing and accessories can get caught on these hooks. This poses a risk of strangulation and asphyxiation, possibly resulting in severe injury or death to kids.
What Play Kitchens Are Affected by the Recall?
The KidKraft Farm to Table Model Play Kitchens affected by the recall were sold at KidKraft.com, Amazon.com and Walmart.com from 2018 through July 2025. The play sets are black and light gray with wood-like countertops. They are 44 inches in length, 13 ¾ inches wide, and 43 inches tall, and have a model sticker with the number 53411 on the back of the play set. The play kitchens were sold for $120-$270.
What to Do if You Own a Recalled KidKraft Play Kitchen
Consumers who have one of these play sets are urged to remove the hooks on the kitchens immediately. Contact Backyard Kids to receive free replacement hooks.
Even though Backyard Kids only sold about 400 of these kitchens to consumers, they are providing free replacement hooks for all affected units.
KidKraft Filed for Bankruptcy in 2024. Can You Still Sue?
Maybe. Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t automatically shield a company from all liability, especially when it comes to injuries or deaths caused by defective or dangerous products. However, suing a company after they’ve filed Chapter 11 can be complicated and involves several legal hurdles.
For instance, if your claim is already pending when the company filed for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is placed on the case, temporarily preventing collection on the debt. This stay is in effect the moment a company files for bankruptcy. To bypass an automatic stay, your attorney must file a motion for relief from the stay and obtain the court’s permission to continue. You’ll also most likely need to establish your right to recover damages by filing a claim with the bankruptcy court.
If the company’s liability insurance policies are still in effect, you can still file an injury claim against them despite the bankruptcy. You might also have legal grounds to sue third parties involved in the product’s manufacture, sale, or distribution.
Can I Continue My Case Without the Bankruptcy Court’s Permission?
It is not advisable to continue your case without the permission of the bankruptcy court. If you continue your case without the permission of the bankruptcy court, it could lead to case dismissal, being held in contempt of court, hefty fines, or being ordered to pay damages to the company.
If a stay is in place, your attorney must petition the court to lift it before proceeding.
What if the Company Filed Bankruptcy Before I Could Sue?
If KidKraft filed for bankruptcy before you were able to initiate a lawsuit, you may need to bring an adversary proceeding within the bankruptcy case. An adversary proceeding is a type of lawsuit filed inside the bankruptcy court to resolve disputes such as injury claims.
Adversary proceedings typically work like a normal lawsuit. However, there are certain procedural differences that should be taken into account when filing. For example, you will need to get the court’s permission before filing a lawsuit outside of bankruptcy court if the company you’re trying to sue has already filed for bankruptcy.
It is essential to contact an attorney before filing any sort of lawsuit, especially in cases where the defendant has already filed for bankruptcy.
How Ankin Law Can Help You
A product liability attorney at Ankin Law has the experience necessary to go up against big companies and manufacturers of unreasonably dangerous products. Working with our law firm, you can expect:
- 24/7 legal support
- FREE consultations
- Contingency fee structures
- Skilled and personalized professional legal representation
Contact Ankin Law today to get started with your case. Our experienced attorneys are here to get you the justice you deserve.
