Consumer Affairs Victoria issues warning on hundreds of ‘unsafe’ MINISO toys
Hundreds of potentially unsafe toys from a multinational retailer have sparked a health warning amid concerns children could be burned or choked.
Consumer Affairs Victoria on Thursday issued a warning about nearly 400 toys from retailer MINISO over concerns they used button batteries, which are particularly dangerous to young children.
Chinese-owned MINISO has 17 stores in the state and five in NSW. Its Australian Instagram account has 46,000 followers, but consumers do not appear to be able to purchase products online.
Some of the products on the warning list imitate the very popular Labubu plush keychains.
Consumer Affairs said it identified seven stores selling button battery-powered toys that did not have required safety warnings.
“I decided to issue this public warning because consumers may be unaware that products contain button batteries,” said Director of Consumer Affairs Nicole Rich.
Button batteries are flat disk batteries that can burn a person’s esophagus if swallowed.
“Given the high risks posed by button batteries, I urge consumers to exercise caution and keep batteries away from children, especially where children may have access to the product,” Ms. Rich said.
“There is a risk of young children suffocating, serious injury, or serious internal burn injuries.”
Access button batteries and swallow them or insert them into their bodies.
The warning makes no mention of refunds or returning items.
The warning lists 42 product “groups” that the agency considers “incompatible.” The list includes items such as the Disney Mickey Mouse Fun Life Collection Lighting Keychain, Harry Potter Lantern Night Light (Blue) and the MINISO Digital Pet Keychain, Assorted Colors.
