Published
Consumer Protection has removed three dangerous toys from sale after a pre-Christmas product safety blitz and a novelty item was taken off the shelf voluntarily by the supplier.
In the lead-up to Christmas, product safety officers inspected 3,800 items at about 250 retailers throughout WA, with the main focus on toys for children under three years of age. Officers also inspected flammable candlestick holders, cosmetics and toiletries, flotation toys and swimming aids.
Two items removed from sale were a wooden ball toy and a truck which had small parts which could pose a choking hazard. The third toy was a yo-yo ball which was banned because it is a strangulation risk.
A novelty cigar was voluntarily withdrawn from the market by the supplier as the powder inside, if inhaled, could cause respiratory tract irritation or inflammation. Some flotation toys were wrongly labelled and a high number of sunglasses either had wrong labels or no labels at all.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe said the fact that only a few dangerous items were found during this year’s blitz was a credit to WA suppliers and retailers who are genuinely concerned about the safety of the products they sell.
“The results of the pre-Christmas campaign in WA showed that suppliers and retailers are doing the right thing by ensuring items for sale in the marketplace comply with national safety standards,” Mr Newcombe said.
“It’s important that we remain vigilant, and these campaigns are important to uncovering new products that come onto the market that may not meet strict
Australian safety requirements.
“In choosing toys for babies or young children, shoppers should look out for small parts that could come loose and pose a choking hazard. Choose sturdy and well made toys that can withstand being bitten, tugged, sucked and thrown around without falling apart. Also make sure the items can’t become a strangulation risk, read the labels on toys and follow the age recommendations.”
More information on product safety and banned items can be found at
www.productsafety.gov.au. Consumers wanting to report a dangerous item should contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au.
Note: Pics of banned items are available upon request
(Consumer Protection is a division of the Department of Commerce)
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Alan Hynd
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