Published Friday, 23 November, 2007 at 09:04 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Interim Ban Imposed On Expanding Toys
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine has approved an interim prohibition order on small toys or novelties which expand when they come into contact with water.
“I have today approved an interim prohibition order on the supply of certain novelties or toys that expand when placed in liquid because they could be a swallowing hazard to small children,” Mr Shine said.
“The ban under the Fair Trading Act 1989 applies to expanding toys that measure less than 45 millimetres in at least two dimensions in their original form.
“The ban prohibits the supply of these goods in Queensland.”
Mr Shine said he ordered the ban after Fair Trading officials in the Australian Capital Territory informed other jurisdictions they had identified a product which was unsafe during Christmas toy inspections.
Inspectors in other states have since identified additional products with similar safety issues.
“Some of these items expand up to six times their original size when placed in water or other fluids,” Mr Shine said.
“The toys, which often take the shape of animals, fish and dinosaurs, can rapidly expand or take up to three days to expand to their full size.
“While expanding toys are usually labelled as unsuitable for children under 36 months of age, I am concerned that smaller toys could represent a hazard if they are swallowed.
“This ban will allow the Office of Fair Trading to investigate whether a permanent ban should be put in place.”
Mr Shine said authorities are not aware of any children who have suffered breathing difficulties or other injuries as a result of playing with the toys and the ban is a precautionary measure.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
“I have today approved an interim prohibition order on the supply of certain novelties or toys that expand when placed in liquid because they could be a swallowing hazard to small children,” Mr Shine said.
“The ban under the Fair Trading Act 1989 applies to expanding toys that measure less than 45 millimetres in at least two dimensions in their original form.
“The ban prohibits the supply of these goods in Queensland.”
Mr Shine said he ordered the ban after Fair Trading officials in the Australian Capital Territory informed other jurisdictions they had identified a product which was unsafe during Christmas toy inspections.
Inspectors in other states have since identified additional products with similar safety issues.
“Some of these items expand up to six times their original size when placed in water or other fluids,” Mr Shine said.
“The toys, which often take the shape of animals, fish and dinosaurs, can rapidly expand or take up to three days to expand to their full size.
“While expanding toys are usually labelled as unsuitable for children under 36 months of age, I am concerned that smaller toys could represent a hazard if they are swallowed.
“This ban will allow the Office of Fair Trading to investigate whether a permanent ban should be put in place.”
Mr Shine said authorities are not aware of any children who have suffered breathing difficulties or other injuries as a result of playing with the toys and the ban is a precautionary measure.
Media contact: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273