VIC: Dangerous products spark national recalls

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Two dangerous products have been voluntarily recalled after more than 10,000 items were seized from shelves by Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Heidi Victoria said the products, a Balloon Helicopter and Musical Birthday Sparkling Candle, posed a risk of serious eye injuries or starting fires.

Mrs Victoria said all the seized products would be destroyed to take them out of circulation.

“Victoria has very strict safety standards that are enforced through thousands of product seizures each year,” Ms Victoria said.

“These items pose serious risks to children and have been recalled nationwide.

“The plastics in the candle have the potential to ignite even in normal use, while the helicopters fail safety standards as the rotors have no ring around the outside to protect children from injury.”

Ms Victoria also commended the product importers Gifts King Imports Pty Ltd and Multipoint Technologies Pty Ltd, who were co-operative and swift in commencing the voluntarily recalls.

“It is important that importers understand their obligations to ensure every product they stock meets strict Victorian safety standards and does not breach ban orders,” Ms Victoria said.

“There are significant penalties under the Australian Consumer Law and those who do not comply risk fines of up to $220,000 for individuals and $1.1 million for a body corporate.

“In 2012, Consumer Affairs Victoria conducted more than 1,800 compliance activities to educate businesses on their obligations to supply safe products. More than 5,000 product lines were inspected, and 12,000 dangerous products were seized or removed from sale, resulting in 10 product safety recalls,” Ms Victoria said.

Consumer Affairs Victoria advises parents to take some precautions when choosing toys:

  • Look for toys suitable for your children’s age. A toy labelled ‘not suitable for children under aged 3’ means it is dangerous for that age group.
  • Keep toys designed for older children away from little ones.
  • Avoid toys with sharp edges, points or splinters.
  • Check that the toys you are buying meet the required safety standards and come with instructions for safe assembly and safe use.
  • Choose sturdy and well-made toys that can stand up to being bitten, tugged, sucked, jumped on and thrown around without falling apart.

Any consumers who have purchased the Musical Birthday Sparkling Candle or the Balloon Helicopter should return it to the point of purchase for a full refund (pictures of products follow).

For further details of the product recalls please visit www.recalls.gov.au

 For further advice on product safety please visit www.productsafety.gov.au

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Contact details

Premier of Victoria  -  Media Centre

Call: (03) 9354 5000, or Fax: (03) 9651 5054

Contact form also available online – http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/contact.html

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