'Elf and safety': Parents urged to check children's toys this Christmas
A warning has gone out about unverified online sellers and rogue traders
Parents in Cornwall are being urged to check their children's toys are safe this Christmas.
With just a few weeks to go until Santa comes down the chimney, the elves are busy making toys for all the good girls and boys.
‘Elf and safety’ is the top priority in the North Pole, but that’s not the case for all toy manufacturers.
Cornwall’s Trading Standards team is urging people to buy toys from reputable local stores and avoid unverified online sellers and rogue traders.
“If something looks too good to be true it usually is.
“You often find copies and fakes online but while the price tag is appealing, these can be really poor-quality items. They can be made from cheaper materials and fall apart more easily. It’s always better to go to a retailer you can trust and then if something does go wrong they are more likely to offer refunds and returns.”
Jane Tomlinson, quality standards manager at Cornwall’s Trading Standards
What is the advice?
When buying toys, always look for the CE mark. This shows a commitment from the toy-maker that the item complies with EU safety rules. You should also check the item is suitable for the child’s age. Toys with small pieces should not be given to younger children because they could easily choke on the parts.
Parents and carers are urged to regularly check children’s toys to ensure there are no loose parts or shedding hair and that batteries and magnets remain secure.
Families are also urged to take extra care with items containing lithium button batteries. If swallowed these can cause serious damage.
These batteries, which can be found in children’s toys, musical Christmas cards, remote controls and lots of other electronic items, react with saliva causing a build-up of caustic soda which acts like acid eating through flesh.
When no longer needed, button batteries should be safely recycled at supermarkets or Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRCs).
“Christmas is a really special time of year for families and no one wants to see a child get hurt.
“Now lockdown is over we can support our local shops and feel confident that the presents we buy are safe. When it comes to children we have to put safety first.”
Cllr Rob Nolan, portfolio holder for environment and public protection