Published
NSW Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge today said investigators had found 142 dangerous toys in shops and markets across the State and ordered 102 retailers to remove stock from shelves.
Ms Judge today announced the results of the biggest NSW Fair Trading annual pre-Christmas blitz yet.
“Fair Trading inspected more than half a million toys at 909 retailers in 227 towns and suburbs across the State,” Ms Judge said.
“The majority of dangerous toys were detected at metropolitan discount variety stores and markets.
“I encourage people to check to ensure they have not purchased any of these toys, so please visit the Fair Trading website which has photos and descriptions.
“People should remove any of these toys from their home immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.”
Ms Judge said toys removed this year included 110 varieties for children under three years of age that presented a potentially fatal inhalation or ingestion hazard due to small parts.
- 11 projectile toys had the potential to cause significant eye injury
- 11 aquatic toys and flotation aids did not carry required warnings designed to reduce the risk of drowning
- 9 yo-yo balls had cords that present a strangulation hazard and
- 1 magnetic toy did not carry a warning label about the capacity of magnets to cause serious intestinal injuries if swallowed.
Ms Judge said all dangerous toys had been removed from sale and all suppliers were being investigated.
“Appropriate enforcement action will be taken once investigations are complete,” she said.
Ms Judge said NSW Fair Trading would continue to closely monitor the marketplace to ensure unsafe products remained off shelves.
“Retailers should be well aware of their product safety responsibilities and consumers should be vigilant when purchasing gifts, especially toys, this Christmas,” she said.
Ms Judge offered the following tips on buying toys for children:
- buy washable, non-breakable toys for babies
- read the labeling on new toys. ‘Not suitable for children aged under three’ means that there are small parts which could be swallowed - it is not an indication of skill level or intelligence
- check toys regularly for loose parts that may be choking dangers. Always read the label and any safety warnings
- toy chests and boxes should have a removable lid. Anything that is big enough to crawl inside must have ventilation holes, including tents. Helmets and masks must also have ventilation holes
- check there are no gaps or holes that could trap a child’s fingers
- be wary of toys that make loud noises as they can be harmful to hearing
- check for sharp edges or rough surfaces as they can cause cuts and splinters
- ensure ride-on toys are appropriate to the age of the child and are stable
- check magnetic toys for loose magnets. If magnets are swallowed they may cause blockage of the digestive system resulting in serious injury.
View the NSW's annual product safety survey results at the NSW Fair Trading website.