Trading Standards have today issued a warning to parents about buying counterfeit toys this Christmas which could affect their child's health. Tests have revealed that a number of fake toys seized by officers contained dangerously high levels of phthalates , a chemical that can cause cancer, asthma, and fertility problems later in life.
Disney Toys are a big target for makers of counterfeits, and Maleficent toys seized by Warwickshire trading standards earlier this month were found to contain 18 times the legal limit of phthalates.
Earlier this year fake Frozen dolls were found to contain phthalates, with thousands of the Disney toys seized from shops in Pontefract and West Yorkshire.
Robert Chantry-Price of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute said:
"It is frightening to think that large quantities of phthalates are still being used in children's toys, especially when it can cause such serious long-term consequences to a person's health."
"Phthalates are carcinogenic, mutagenic and can cause reproductive problems but, despite legislation to the contrary, significant amounts of these substances can be found in a wide range of toys and childcare products."
"Trading standards services are continuously working to tackle the issue but it is vital consumers remain vigilant too. Parents should be cautious when buying toys this Christmas and not fall for the first deal they see."
"Make sure to buy from reputable shops, beware of products that are drastically cheaper and look at the packaging for the distributor's details and a CE mark."
To avoid these dangerous fake toys you should buy from trusted retailers, and if in doubt look for the CE mark on the packaging which proves it complies with EU health and safety requirements.
Here at PlayPennies we only feature deals from trusted retailers, and we would urge caution when buying your child's toys this Christmas if they are not from a major retailer.
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