Hampshire Trading Standards issues Halloween safety warning

Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards are urging people to enjoy a “spooktacular” but safe Halloween.

They have issued a number of safety tips ahead of the weekend, when many people across our area are expected to dress up and go trick-or-treating.

Councillor Edward Heron, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Rural Affairs, said: “Halloween can be great fun for all the family, and as the excitement builds this half term, Hampshire’s Trading Standards team has set out some simple tips that can help everyone to avoid a nasty scare.

“We don’t want anyone to get tricked this Halloween. If something goes wrong with a product you been sold, you can report your concerns to the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0808 223 1133 or online at Contact the consumer helpline - Citizens Advice.”

Halloween safety tips:

• Check the labels of costumes and other toys including face paints, wigs or masks - products must have a UKCA or CE mark which means the product complies with the required safety standards – avoid buying fake items

• Take extra care if buying your Halloween outfits online - try to buy from well-known and trusted retailers

• Consider battery operated tealights or glow sticks inside any pumpkins rather than tealights or candles

• For any products using button battery cells, ensure the battery compartments are not directly accessible – the cell batteries should be either secured with a screw or require two independent actions to open them. Button cells have been involved in serious injuries and fatalities involving children

• For any toys containing strong magnets, check to make sure that they are of a size that cannot be swallowed by a child. Like button cells, strong magnets have been involved in serious injuries and fatalities involving children.