Fifteen out of 23 toys have failed one or more Australian standard mandatory safety tests during a CHOICEinvestigation.
The consumer watchdog assessed toys that would appeal to under-threes and found two thirds of tested toys could present a choking danger.
Items included plastic vehicles, musical instruments, action games and battery-powered toys and were purchased from a range of variety discount stores and larger retailers across Sydney. Prices ranged from $3 to $17.
Small parts broke off or became loose in 15 toys after CHOICE testers applied pressure or tension. Of that number six had easily accessed battery compartments and one toy gun failed as the suction cap on the projectile was able to be removed making it a potential hazard.
“We went to shops looking specifically for toys we suspected would fail tests,” says CHOICE CEO, Alan Kirkland. “While the major retailers show greater commitment to quality and safety, the toys that failed the mandatory safety tests were all found at discount variety stores.
“Discount suppliers and smaller retailers often lack the knowledge and accountability of bigger retailers. Often the toys they sell are from little known brands or have no brand information on them at all, making it difficult for regulators to keep track of suppliers.”
According to the Australian standard, toys must not have small parts that present a choking hazard or produce any when subjected to tests designed to stimulate normal use. Product Safety Australia puts the onus on manufacturers, distributors and retailers to ensure products comply.
CHOICE passed the results to NSW Fair Trading. “Fair Trading investigators are always on the lookout for potentially dangerous products being sold particularly in markets and discount stores, and these operations will intensify as we head into the Christmas shopping period,” says NSW Fair Trading Minister, Anthony Roberts.
NSW Fair Trading investigators have removed 117 varieties of dangerous toys from sale in the past 12 months.
