Toy safety on Christmas wish list

Toys that expand when wet, others with the potential to take out an eye and rattles designed for newborns but which contain tiny parts are among those withdrawn from sale in the lead-up to Christmas.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Kerry Shine today announced the results of the Office of Fair Trading’s annual statewide pre-Christmas toy safety audit which has resulted in 34 individual products being withdrawn from sale.

“Expanding toys – miniature doll-like objects – grow to five or six times their size when wet but when dry they are small enough to be swallowed,” Mr Shine said.

“You can only imagine the potentially horrific consequences of that should a toddler swallow one.

“It’s imperative for the safety of all kids that products like these are taken off the market and that’s why product safety officers have inspected more than 5760 products across the state, with a particular focus on toys for children aged three years and under, projectile toys and banned toys.

 “Inspectors conducted more than 280 spot checks and inspected more than 200 stores throughout Queensland.

“While the majority of traders were compliant with Australian safety standards, 18 toys failed the small parts requirements for toys for children under the age of three, because they released small parts during testing.

“These toys included a box of four infant rattles.”

Mr Shine said six foam toys contained incorrect safety warnings, two toys had removable magnets, one bow and arrow-like toy had removable protective tips making it one of two projectile toys to fail safety requirements.

“One toy also failed the mandatory requirements for lead content and five toys failed the requirements for moisture expanding toys, which pose as a choking hazard.

“All toys that failed the mandatory safety standards were removed from sale immediately and enforcement action will be taken against the suppliers. 

"The Bligh government is determined to reduce the risk of product-related injury to children and to help Queensland families shop smart and safe this Christmas.” 

Mr Shine said the key message for parents looking for presents this Christmas is ‘think safety’ before buying.

The toy safety results follow a number of successful prosecutions during 2008 following the detection of unsafe toys by product safety inspectors.

Mooncoast Pty Ltd was fined $1,750 plus court costs in the Brisbane Magistrates Court after product safety officers detected the sale of a prohibited yo-yo.

Dimmeys Stores Pty Ltd was fined $9,000 after product safety officers found the trader supplied toys that did not comply with mandatory safety standards.

Mr Shine warned that individuals found supplying toys that do not comply with the mandatory safety standards faced fines of up to $54,000. Corporations face a maximum fine of $270,000.

"Product safety inspectors will continue to monitor the marketplace in next 10 days leading up to Christmas,” Mr Shine said.

Mr Shine urged consumers to carefully examine toys for possible dangers before giving them to their children, particularly lower-priced toys that are often sold through discount stores and markets.

“Photos of the unsafe products are listed on the Fair Trading website, so consumers can check whether they have bought these products.

 “Anyone who has purchased the identified toys should return them for a refund.”

For further information on product safety, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Consumers can also visit the national product recalls database at www.recalls.gov.au to check if they have any recalled toys.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 0419 710 874

TOY SURVEY RESULTS