Queensland’s Office of Fair Trading has launched a compliance crackdown on unsafe toys and novelties as part of a festive season safety blitz, with 23 dangerous products so far removed from shop shelves.
The Office said the compliance issues identified to date relate to button batteries, including:
- Six products not containing a mandatory button battery warning label;
- 17 products not having the mandatory warning label and failing to have a child resistant battery compartment, as required by law.
Seized items include flower-themed solar lights, mini piano toys, snow globes, and plastic pinwheels.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington said that while the products have been removed from shelves, it was still important for all Queenslanders to remain vigilant when buying gifts for children.
“Christmas should be a time of joy and the last thing anybody wants to see is a child injured because of an unsafe toy,” the Attorney-General said.
“Sadly, every month in Australia we see a child seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery, with some suffering lifelong injuries, which is devastating.
“Our Fair Trading inspectors do a tremendous job scouring retail stores and markets to ensure mandatory standards are being met, but it is important for everyone to be on the lookout for unsafe products – particularly button batteries.
“With an increase in online shopping, Queenslanders should also be mindful when purchasing products from overseas to make sure they meet Australia’s high safety standards.”
Products containing button and coin batteries need to have a secure battery compartment and include mandatory safety information and emergency advice, so consumers understand the risks associated with the products.
Some questions to consider when shopping for toys for young children include:
- How well-made does the toy look?
- Does it have small parts such as wheels, foam, bells, and lights that could become a choking hazard?
- Are there any sharp edges or points?
- Are there long strings over 30cm in length?
- Are the batteries easily accessible?
Any concerns about unsafe toys should be reported to the OFT at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
