CHOKING HAZARD TOYS RECALLED

Three dangerous toys have been recalled, with Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech warning they could choke babies and toddlers if swallowed.

The toys, sold through Dimmey’s discount stores from September —December 2006, include:

·Intelligence Bricks Canister shape-sorter;

·Intelligence Clown Rattle; and

·plush Halloween toys.

“The toys failed mandatory product safety standards,” Mrs Keech said.

“Anyone who has purchased these products should keep them out of the reach of children and contact their nearest Dimmey’s store for a full refund.”

The three toys were first discovered during the Office of Fair Trading’s pre-Christmas toy compliance blitz and immediately removed from sale.

“Tests have now revealed they are unsafe, resulting in this recall,” Mrs Keech said.

“Dimmey’s has acted promptly, removing the toys from sale when concerns were raised and are fully cooperating in the recall,” Mrs Keech said.

“Retailers are reminded that they are required to ensure they only sell items that meet Queensland’s product safety standards.”

The Minister praised the Office of Fair Trading Product Safety Unit for its ongoing efforts to protect Queensland consumers from unsafe products.

“No Queenslander wants to give a child a toy that could cause them harm. This should also be true for Queensland traders selling the product,” Mrs Keech said.

“Queensland has some of the world’s toughest product safety laws and the Office of Fair Trading carries out over 500 compliance checks each year. We will continue to crack down on traders doing the wrong thing.

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

For photos of the recalled toys, plus more information, visit the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Traders are encouraged to use the product safety standards interactive online tool. The new tool helps traders make sure products they import or sell comply with key safety requirements.

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 3224 2007 or Carolyn Folland (OFT) 3119 0075