DANGEROUS TOYS REMOVED FROM SANTA’S LIST

Fourteen dangerous toys have been withdrawn from sale in the wake of the Beattie Government’s Operation Safe Christmas.

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech today said the annual Christmas toy audit result was a vast improvement on last year, when 28 toys were removed from sale.

“The Office of Fair Trading checked over 4300 toys this year – three toys have been recalled and 11 removed from sale,” Mrs Keech said.

“Every year product safety Inspectors check that products for sale meet safety standards, in particular children’s toys.

“Toys that were choking hazards, such as puzzle sets with pieces small enough for children to swallow, were the biggest problem this year.

“Also removed from sale were several projectile toys, which could hit children in the eyes.

“A bathtub fishing game with misleading labelling was also removed. The packaging featured a picture of a baby using it. However, the toy is a choking hazard for children under three years.”

Mrs Keech said it was encouraging that most traders met safety requirements.

"However, problems still exist, particularly in discount stores and market stalls,” she said.

“Removing products from sale that do not meet safety standards saves lives. Anyone who has bought these recalled toys should take them back to the supplier for a refund.

“Queensland has some of the world’s toughest product safety laws and we will continue to crack down on traders doing the wrong thing.

“We are proud to be the only state in Australia with a team of dedicated Inspectors on the ground at a local level across the state, conducting over 500 spot checks year-round.

“Traders caught selling products that fail to meet product safety standards face fines of up to $40,500 for an individual and five times that amount for a company.”

Mrs Keech urged Queenslanders to keep in mind the five Ss of product safety to keep children safe this Christmas:

• Size - smaller toys are a choking hazard. Children under three years of age do not have a natural coughing reflex to clear blocked airways. The Australian Standard for toys states that any toy suitable for the under-three age group must not be small enough for children to swallow or inhale. Anything that could fit inside a 35mm film canister is too small.
• The Shape of toys is important – steer clear of products that have sharp edges and points. Be wary of moving and folding parts as they may cut or crush children’s fingers.
• Surfaces must be safe - small children will place objects in their mouths, so ensure all materials and finishes are non-toxic.
• Strings, cords and tails longer than 30 cm long should be removed from toys before use. Loose lengths of string, cord and even fluffy tails can strangle young children or they could choke on them.
• Nothing replaces close Supervision.

“Also remember to throw out any packaging to remove the risk of a child suffocating in the wrapping,” Mrs Keech said.

For photos of the toys recalled and removed from sale visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au. Consumers who have purchased these toys should return them to the trader for a refund. To report an unsafe toy or other product, contact the Product Safety Branch on 3305 9614.

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Olivia Nemeth (OFT) 3119 0067