Spot the difference: parents warned that fake Labubu dolls could contain lead and pose choke risk | Toys

Does your Labubu have exactly nine teeth? Are his ears narrow? Or are parts of his body (his eyes, feet, and hands) torn away from his grimacing face?

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a warning The burgeoning market of fake Labubus could pose safety risks to young children, he warned fans of it-dolls.

Fake dolls, often called Lafufus, can pose a suffocation risk due to potentially removable parts and poor-quality stitching. The ACCC said it was concerned that counterfeit products could contain unsafe levels of harmful chemicals, including lead.

“Be aware of the potential safety risks associated with fake or counterfeit Labubu dolls (often referred to as Lafufus) and keep these products away from young children,” the ACCC said in a product safety statement on Wednesday.

“Lafufu dolls can pose a safety risk to consumers, especially young children. Some Lafufus are small enough to fit completely in a young child’s mouth, while other versions may have removable body parts such as eyes, feet and hands, and poor stitching that can pose a choking hazard.”

The ACCC has given a few quick tips to distinguish genuine Labubu from the fake one produced by the Pop Mart company:

• Counterfeits may contain small removable parts such as eyes, feet or hands.

• Lafufu may have poor stitching or use cheap fabrics.

• The authentic Labubus has exactly nine teeth. Fake items may have ears that are too wide.

• Counterfeit products are often sold at much lower prices.

The price of the original Labubus varies, but it starts at around $32 on the Pop Mart website for a plush keychain. More special versions can cost up to $340 for a larger doll.

NSW Fair Trading issued its own warning about fake dolls earlier this year, saying in July that although Labubus was very popular, an underground market was targeting desperate customers.

Customers should buy them from trusted online businesses and check reviews before purchasing the dolls, the agency said.

The NSW health department says exposure to even low levels of lead can affect children’s mental and physical development. It can cause high blood pressure in adults and affect kidney and brain function.

“Exposure to lead in children, even at low levels, can be harmful and can lead to decreased intelligence, impaired neurobehavioral development, reduced height and growth, and hearing impairment,” the department’s website states.

If you think your child has been exposed to lead, the Sydney Children’s Hospital network is urging parents to remove the toy or object and call your local poison information centre.

They can recommend whether you should see a doctor or go to the emergency room.