Urgent warning for cutesy Labubu-style toy that could be child killer
Victoria’s consumer safety regulator has been forced to remove off-brand Labubu-style keychain toys sold by Chinese retailer Miniso after it failed to notify parents they contained batteries that posed a risk to children.
Consumer Affairs Victoria said on Thursday its officers were forced to enter Miniso stores and remove hundreds of inappropriate toys from shelves because the toys did not have legally required warnings or labels informing shoppers they contained “button batteries”.
Batteries are small flat discs that have a history of causing death and serious injury to children who unknowingly swallow them. They can burn the esophagus for several hours after ingestion.
Disney Mickey Mouse Fun Life Collection keychains were among non-compliant Labubu-style products containing button batteries that were removed from Miniso’s shelves by Consumer Affairs Victoria.Credit: Miniso/Instagram
Although products containing button batteries can be sold, there are strict information standards that require labeling to warn parents of the potential danger to children. “Correct labeling for toys containing button batteries lets you know that the product contains button batteries and what the potential risks are,” Consumer Affairs Victoria said in a statement.
Consumer Affairs Victoria officers carrying out inspections last month found more than 400 products in Miniso stores that did not carry adequate warnings. The retailer initially assured that non-compliant products would be removed from sale.
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But on Thursday – four weeks after the initial order to stop the sale of non-conforming products – officials said follow-up inspections found that not only were these products still available, but inspectors also found other products on sale that failed to meet information standards.
Officers had to enter stores and remove potentially dangerous products from shelves themselves. As of Thursday, inspectors continued to find non-conforming products on shelves.
Non-compatible product lines include Disney-themed keychains featuring characters such as Mickey Mouse and Stitch, plush toy character keychains that resemble Labubu dolls, and a Harry Potter night light. Keychain toys light up and require batteries. You can see the full list here.
