Parents are being advised to throw out any ‘phil&teddy' teddy bears their children received while staying at Waikato Hospital in the past five years.

The teddy bears pose a potential choking hazard for young children and were handed out for free between 2010 and 2015 as gifts to patients at Waikato, Wellington and Christchurch Hospitals.

Parents are advised to dispose of any ‘phil&teddy' teddy bears their children were given while at Waikato, Wellington or Christchurch Hospitals between 2010-2015. The bears pose a potential choking hazard for young children. Photo: phil&ted

Supplied by phil&teds as part of a charity sponsorship deal, the teddy bears are identified as having the words 'phil&teddy” printed on the front of the bears' gown, and 'phil&teds” on the back.

A statement posted on phil&ted's website says tests results showed the bears' fuzz may come loose and/or the seam may split exposing the filling material.

'We wish to avoid any potential risk,” the company says. 'Children should stop using their ‘phil&teddy' Teddy Bear and parents should dispose of the bear.”

The recall comes after a complaint was made to the Commerce Commission in February about fur coming off a teddy bear.

To date there have been no reports of children chocking on the teddy bear stuffing.