Parents and carers have been warned that dummies could become a choking hazard if the child can take the whole dummy into its mouth.
"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is currently investigating claims of safety hazards associated with dummies", ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. "About two million dummies are sold in the Australian market each year.
"The ACCC is concerned at reports in which infants took the whole dummy into their mouths", Mr Samuel said. "It would appear that in some cases the size of both dummy shields, and ventilation holes in those shields, do not meet the specifications in the relevant voluntary Australian Standard.
"As a matter of high priority the ACCC is seeking information from parents and carers of any safety related incidents with the use of infant dummies. This information will greatly assist the ACCC to progress its hazard evaluation expeditiously. Information can be directed to the Infocentre on 1300 302 502.
"If the ACCC finds a safety hazard in a consumer product, the ACCC can recommend prompt intervention by the Commonwealth Government.
"The ACCC can also recommend a mandatory standard for products if they fall short of acceptable design and performance characteristics".