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Children’s sleepwear and cosmetic items have been removed from sale as part of a product safety surveillance program across regional and metropolitan South Australia.
South Australia's Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Paul White said thousands of products have been examined by Consumer and Business Service’s safety inspectors as part of the program.
“The product safety surveillance program saw thousands of items examined from more than two hundred product lines,” Mr White said.
“Retailers across the metropolitan and inner-regional areas were visited as part of the operation, including large chain stores, discount and variety stores, and specialist children’s stores.
“This has been part of a national product safety survey jointly conducted by the ACCC and state and territory consumer protection agencies.
“Phase One of the program has focussed on children’s nightwear, child car restraints, and children’s cosmetic and toiletry products.
“Three retailers were found to be stocking children’s sleepwear that didn’t comply with fire safety standards, and those items were immediately withdrawn from sale.
“Two retailers were found to be selling cosmetic products—namely temporary tattoos—with inadequate labelling, and the items were immediately removed from sale.
“Cosmetics and toiletries—and for children that includes play cosmetics, face paints, temporary tattoos and baby lotions—must meet safety standards. That includes the right labelling to ensure people can avoid ingredients that cause allergic reactions.
“Thankfully, all child restraints that were inspected met mandatory requirements.
“The safety of products on South Australia’s shelves is an ongoing focus for Consumer and Business Services. Our Product Safety Officers are continually monitoring product lines.
“We know businesses across South Australia value their customers’ safety, but we also know that many are not aware of the laws governing the sale of products.
“Retailers can use the new National Product Safety Guide to check that the products they sell meet safety laws— it has been produced in English, Vietnamese and Chinese and includes photographs of many of the currently banned products.” Mr White said.
Commissioner White said, “The next phase of the surveillance program is has already begun, focussing on flammable items such as candles, lanterns and so on.
“As we get closer to Christmas our inspectors will be cracking down on dangerous toys and in particular on products for children under three.” Mr White said.
Consumers should call CBS on 131 882 with any concerns about product safety.
More information about product safety is at: www.ocba.sa.gov.au/productsafety
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Website: www.ocba.sa.gov.au
