Consumer Protection WA has given its seal of approval to 270 Perth Royal Showbags after product safety inspectors checked about 1500 toys and novelty items that will be sold at the Claremont Showground.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard says the majority of toys and novelty items have been ticked off as safe for kids to have bags of fun with.

“I’m pleased to announce that most items in this year’s showbags were deemed safe. We only uncovered seven items that didn’t meet mandatory safety or information standards and just three items – a flashing ring, squishie foam toy and light up slime – have been removed from sale. Foam pellet guns are undergoing further testing.”

Consumer Protection looked for strangulation hazards, dangerous sharp edges and any projectile toys that could cause injuries to eyes or faces. Problems found were:

• small parts posing a choking risk to young children;
• unsecure button battery compartments – broke during a drop test; and
• minor labelling issues with cosmetics, which have been rectified – children can be allergic to ingredients in makeup so it’s important to have all ingredients listed.

Under the Australian Consumer Law, it is illegal to supply products that do not meet mandatory safety and information standards. On-the-spot fines of $1,320 for individuals and $6,600 for companies apply. Serious and repeated breaches of product safety laws can lead to court action and harsher penalties.

“Our product safety inspectors will be attending the Perth Royal Show and other metropolitan and regional shows across Western Australia as part of our annual program to identify and remove non-compliant and dangerous products from community events,” Mr Hillyard said.

The Commissioner is reminding parents and carers to remain vigilant as there are items being sold outside of showbags that haven’t been pre-checked.

“Be aware button batteries can cause serious injury (internal burns) or death if a small child swallows the button battery, so the battery compartments need to be secure. Flashing or noise-making button-battery powered products meant for older kids can get into toddlers’ hands, especially if there’s a group of younger children with older siblings or friends.

“We would also ask those of you attending the show to be our eyes and ears. Consumers who see or hear of anything dodgy on sale at the show can report to Consumer Protection by emailing consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au. You can sign up for alerts about product recalls or bans at www.productsafety.gov.au.”

The Perth Royal Show runs from 28 September until 5 October 2019.

Additional showbags may be given the all clear by Consumer Protection in time for the big event, meaning there could be up to 300 showbags on sale in total.

“Thanks to the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia for once again inviting us to inspect the showbags and suppliers for providing the bags in advance. This proactive approach to product safety every year helps to keep kids safe,” the Commissioner said.

Consumer Protection would also like to remind Western Australians that the official ticket seller for Perth Royal Show tickets is Ticketmaster.

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Media Contact: Alina Cavanagh, (08) 6552 9471 / 0423 846 397 / alina.cavanagh@demirs.wa.gov.au

Product safety officers check Perth Royal Showbags, by Consumer Protection Media

Products from Perth Royal Showbags identified by Consumer Protection as child safety risks, by Consumer Protection Media