A check of internet sales has revealed three dangerous babies' toys during the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's Christmas toy survey.
"The ACCC conducted assessments on a range of children's toys purchased from 40 different online traders," ACCC Deputy Chair, Mr Peter Kell, said today. "The items specifically targeted were those intended to be used by infants.
"Testing against the requirements of the mandatory standard for toys for children under three years was undertaken. This standard focuses on choking hazards arising from small parts from children's toys intended for children up to and including 36 months.
"It revealed three failures and these products have since been withdrawn from sale.
"The toys are:
- a Rosali Pacifier Chain used to attach a baby's dummy to its clothing and is made of coloured wooden beads including a small wooden doll attached to the chain. Testing indicates that one of the legs of the wooden doll came off during testing and due to its size posed a choking hazard.
- Gepetto Wooden bead rattle toy and a Gepetto Wooden bell rattle toy when tested did not comply with the requirements of the mandatory standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months. Both toys were found to be able to penetrate beyond a depth that would constitute a choking hazard for an infant.
"Investigations into the circumstances of the supply are currently under way.
"The ACCC sees protection from the sale of unsafe and non-compliant goods as paramount. This is especially so for young children who are one our most vulnerable groups.
"The ACCC is vigilant and vigorous in its enforcement of the product safety provisions of the Trade Practices Act and will not hesitate to take action when the provisions are breached."
The ACCC's survey took account of the increase in popularity of online selling and was intended to complement state and territory governments' retail toy survey activities.
"I remind suppliers that products sold over the internet are also subject to the mandatory product safety standards and bans," Mr Kell said.
When shopping for toys, including on the internet, consumers are urged to take note of the following:
"For children younger than three, avoid toys with small parts that are a choking hazard; keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings; check that any magnets in toys are not lose and easy to swallow as these can cause serious internal injury; read labels and packaging. Look for age recommendations and instructions on proper use, assembly and supervision."
For a list of the products to which standards and bans apply, visit the ACCC website or contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.
For media inquiries to the ACCC Deputy Chair, Mr Peter Kell, please call Ms Lin Enright, ACCC Media, on (02) 6243 1108 or 0414 613 520.
For general inquiries, please call the Infocentre: 1300 302 502.
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