Published Friday, 30 November, 2007 at 04:52 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Unsafe Teddy Bear 'Night Light" Withdrawn From Sale
A pharmacy retail chain with stores throughout Queensland has withdrawn a teddy bear “night light” from sale after it was found to be unsafe, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Kerry Shine, said today.
“Checks by the Office of Fair Trading identified that the teddy bear, marketed for sale to young children, had failed mandatory safety tests,” he said.
“Terry White Pharmacies immediately agreed to withdraw the teddy bear “night light” from sale,” Mr Shine said.
“The product does not meet the mandatory safety standard for toys for children up to the age of 36 months and poses a risk that small parts, such as the toy’s plastic eyes, could break free and be swallowed.
“The safety threat was identified by Office of Fair Trading product safety inspectors during their annual Christmas toy safety audit.
“The toy is a 22 centimetre soft, cuddly teddy that comes in colours blue and pink, with a battery-operated light panel embedded in its belly.
“Parents who have already purchased the toy should immediately remove it from their children.”
Mr Shine said the teddy was not labelled as unsuitable for children aged up to 36 months and the Office of Fair Trading has issued an official warning to the distributor.
“We will not tolerate traders who supply products that do not meet mandatory safety standards.
“Heavy penalties apply for proven breaches of the Act including fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $205,500 for companies.
“Queensland’s Christmas toy safety audit is complemented by similar audits being carried out by fair trading authorities in other states and territories.
“As the results come in from around the country, product safety inspectors will check whether the products are on sale in Queensland and will take action where necessary.”
For more information about product safety standards, visit the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.
Media enquiries: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273
“Checks by the Office of Fair Trading identified that the teddy bear, marketed for sale to young children, had failed mandatory safety tests,” he said.
“Terry White Pharmacies immediately agreed to withdraw the teddy bear “night light” from sale,” Mr Shine said.
“The product does not meet the mandatory safety standard for toys for children up to the age of 36 months and poses a risk that small parts, such as the toy’s plastic eyes, could break free and be swallowed.
“The safety threat was identified by Office of Fair Trading product safety inspectors during their annual Christmas toy safety audit.
“The toy is a 22 centimetre soft, cuddly teddy that comes in colours blue and pink, with a battery-operated light panel embedded in its belly.
“Parents who have already purchased the toy should immediately remove it from their children.”
Mr Shine said the teddy was not labelled as unsuitable for children aged up to 36 months and the Office of Fair Trading has issued an official warning to the distributor.
“We will not tolerate traders who supply products that do not meet mandatory safety standards.
“Heavy penalties apply for proven breaches of the Act including fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $205,500 for companies.
“Queensland’s Christmas toy safety audit is complemented by similar audits being carried out by fair trading authorities in other states and territories.
“As the results come in from around the country, product safety inspectors will check whether the products are on sale in Queensland and will take action where necessary.”
For more information about product safety standards, visit the Office of Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.
Media enquiries: Troy Davies 3239 6400, 0488 799 273