The Catalan Consumer Agency has taken significant measures in the last three years to ensure the safety of toys on the market, recalling a total of 156,923 units due to possible health risks to children.
These actions have been the result of 1,641 comprehensive inspections that have identified non-compliances mainly related to the presence of small parts or parts that could become detached, representing a potential risk of asphyxiation.
The importance of toy safety
Child safety is an undisputed priority, and the Catalan Consumer Agency has been actively working to ensure that toys available on the market meet the necessary standards.
Among the items removed were popular toys such as ‘slime’, a colorful viscous modeling paste, a soft ball with stuffing material and children’s pirate costumes.
Albert Melià, director of the Agency, highlighted that from 2021 to date, 1,641 actions related to toys have been carried out, and 236 of them have resulted in the withdrawal of some units from the market.
In most cases, removal is linked to the presence of small parts or parts that can become detached, thus increasing the risk of suffocation, a serious health hazard for children.
Responsible and analytical actions
The Agència Catalana del Consumo not only limits itself to recalls; it also performs exhaustive analyses of products by collecting samples for study in specialized laboratories.
When a risk is detected, either through regular inspections, communications with surveillance agencies, manufacturers or hazardous product warning systems, appropriate action is taken.
In cases where the non-compliance can be corrected, a precautionary immobilization of the product and a temporary ban on marketing are considered.
However, when non-compliance is serious and cannot be corrected, the units in question are permanently withdrawn from the market or seized and destroyed.
Recommendations for consumers
In the official statement, the Agency emphasizes the importance of consumers paying attention to age restrictions, avoiding toys with small parts that could come loose.
In general, they recommend to be cautious with products that could pose a risk to children. In addition, they advise buying toys in trusted establishments and paying special attention to labeling.
In the context of the holiday season, the Agència Catalana del Consumo has launched the information campaign ‘This Christmas, consume with head’, urging consumers to be aware of the effects and consequences of their purchases.
Child safety is everyone’s responsibility, and these measures seek to raise awareness about the importance of choosing safe and appropriate toys for children.
