Amazon, eBay, Kogan ordered to halt sales of potentially deadly toys
The consumer watchdog has ordered online retailers, including Amazon and eBay, to stop selling a range of toys and game products – including chess sets – marketed for children that contain magnets that are potentially lethal if swallowed.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said it was investigating the supply of banned and potentially lethal toys and games containing small, high-powered magnets, including “magnetic chess” or “magnetic battle chess” style games.
The ACCC said it had made requests to Amazon, eBay, Kogan and Fruugo for the affected products and asked for additional measures to prevent sellers from offering the same or similar products for resale. He said retailers are committed to these actions.
Some detachable or loose, small, high-power magnets are permanently prohibited under the law due to the danger of injury or death if swallowed.
ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said magnets posed a choking risk but could also damage internal organs.
“Small, high-powered magnets can cause catastrophic, life-threatening internal injuries when swallowed, especially for young children. Multiple magnets can stick together in the intestine or digestive tissue,” he said.
“We are extremely concerned that our investigation has found sellers listing these banned products on online marketplaces, and we call on all online marketplaces to do more to prevent these products from being listed to keep consumers, and especially young children, safe,” Lowe said.
Lowe’s urged anyone who purchased the affected products to stop using them and keep them out of reach of children. He said they could contact the seller for a refund.
Elias Visontay is the National Consumer Affairs Reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.Connect via email.
