The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has today issued a warning to Darwin consumers about the sale of unsafe toys in the lead up to Christmas.
ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said Australian Bright International Holdings Pty Ltd is selling unsafe toys at Tropigro on the Stuart Highway and at Casuarina Shopping Centre.
"The ACCC detected the sale of these toys last week and immediately notified the directors of the company, Keith Hegarty and Rhonda Hegarty, to cease selling them pending further investigations and testing.
"Mr Hegarty originally agreed to stop selling the toys however investigators found him selling them again during the past few days," Mr Samuel said.
The toys do not meet the mandatory Australian safety standard for toys for children up to and including 36 months of age. The toys are:
- My Beauty Sets (set of various plastic toy beauty and cosmetic implements)
- Baby Love Play Set (set of 9 plastic rattles in baby bottle like container)
- Battery operated plush tiger toy.
ACCC testing confirmed that the My Beauty Set, the Baby Love Play Set and the plush tiger toy all failed the mandatory standard because they contain small parts that are a choking hazard for young children.
"Small pieces of these toys easily broke off during testing and are a danger to young children. The ACCC is concerned consumers may have already purchased these toys for Christmas gifts," Mr Samuel said.
"If you have purchased these toys, do not give them to children under three years old," Mr Samuel said. "The ACCC treats product safety very seriously and will consider strong action against Australian Bright International Holdings Pty Ltd. In the meantime, keep these toys away from young children."
There are a range of ways consumers can ensure their children have a safe Christmas, including:
- not giving children under three years of age toys that have small parts, or small objects such as coins, batteries, magnets and screws
- reading labels and packaging – look for and follow the age recommendations and instructions about proper assembly, use and supervision
- choosing sturdy and well made toys that can stand up to rugged play
- seeking immediate medical attention if infants become sick after placing objects in their mouths
- regularly checking www.recalls.gov.au for children's toys that have been recalled in Australia.
For more information on toy safety, visit www.productsafety.gov.au and follow ACCC on twitter (@ProductSafetyAU) for the latest product safety news.