Consumer Protection has issued stallholders and their suppliers at the recent Perth Royal Show infringement notices of up to $6,600 after product safety inspectors found numerous unsafe toys and novelty items on sale.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Gary Newcombe said most of the items failed to comply with strict new mandatory safety standards relating to button batteries, which could pose a grave risk to young children.
“The items discovered included fidget spinners, flower crowns, flashing veils and tiaras which did not have strong enough compartments to properly secure the button batteries,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Most of these items, as well as several watches and flashing necklaces, did not have the required warning labels.”
He said these items were not submitted as part of the pre-Show inspections, except for one which was on sale despite the seller being issued with a pre-Show notification that it did not comply.
“There were other suppliers who failed to comply with previous directions regarding warning labels and ingredient lists for cosmetics,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Parents and guardians who bought items containing button batteries for their children at the Royal Show need to be alert.”
He said it was alarming that these toys and novelty items were on sale, especially considering that Consumer Protection inspectors conducted pre-Show inspections and made sure stallholders and suppliers were clearly informed of the safety requirements for button batteries in particular.
“We don’t know exactly how many of the unsafe products were sold before being discovered, but we can assume it was a significant quantity,” Mr Newcombe said.
“So, to safeguard young children who might be playing with these items at home, we need parents and guardians to ensure the button batteries are secured correctly and won’t come loose even when dropped.”
