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Thursday, 20 November 2014

Black Friday Toy Shopping? Canadian Government Safety Cautions!

Kawartha Lakes Mums - How Do You Ensure Toy Safety?

In North America, Black Friday is increasingly becoming one of the busiest holiday shopping days of the year. This year, Black Friday is November 28 and Canada, the United States and Mexico are working cooperatively to remind consumers about the importance of toy safety.The press release highlights several recent recalls pertaining to children's toys and accessories, and shows how buying Canadian may help ensure we are buying safe toys. FTC Disclosure: Kawartha Lakes Mums welcomes family friendly advertising including affiliate links that meet with our editorial guidelines. This helps us put food on our table at no additional cost to our readers.How are the three countries working together on child safety?
Four Toy Recalls Plus Toy Safety Tips for Parents


Glad you asked!
hree  consumer advocate government representatives, one each from Canada, USA and Mexico visited the Health Canada’s Product Safety Laboratory today. The press release high lighted four recalls related to children's toys and accessories. Which toys were recalled?

Four Toys Recalled - Do You Know about These?

Families and people caring for children will be interested in four recent recalls. The four items recently recalled of interest to people caring for children include:
Toy Recall- McDonalds Hello Kitty Whistle
The whistle can come apart posing a choking hazard.
Graco Stroller Recall
The folding spring can cause amputation or a laceration hazard
IKEA Recall - Baby Swing
Suspension Fittings can fail causing baby to fall
Toy Recall Toys R Us Toaster
Plastic toast can shatter into sharp pieces
Here is a press release from the Government of Canada.:

Canada, United States and Mexico Work Together to Promote Toy Safety

Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, visited Health Canada’s Product Safety Laboratory on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health. Also visiting the facility were Elliot Kaye, Chairman of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Julian Juarez, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of Mexico, representing the Consumer Protection Federal Agency aka Profeco.
“The busiest gift buying time of the year is fast approaching, so we are joining our international partners to remind consumers about the importance of selecting safe and age appropriate toys and using those toys safely.” shared Wai Young Member of Parliament, Vancouver South.
US Consumer watchdog Elliot Kaye agreed.
“We are all working together this holiday season with one goal in mind- that the toys North America’s parents bring home for their children are safe." shared   Elliot F. Kaye Chairman, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission adding"Our work with Health Canada and Profeco will continue to strengthen the marketplace and build consumer confidence in the safety of the North American marketplace, especially for children’s toys.”
Mexico's Consumer advocate Lorena Martínez stressed the importance  of protecting our youngest citizens.
“Children are the most vulnerable consumers, [and] this Forum is the ideal framework for the development of suitable regulatory mechanisms. Trilateral cooperation underscores our commitment to promoting responsible consumption and working to ensure the safety of vulnerable consumers."explained Lorena Martínez Rodríguez Federal Consumer Attorney, Consumer Protection Federal Agency -Profeco, adding"Our priority is to keep consumers informed about possible risks to children” 
The three shared the following toy safety tips:
  • Purchase age appropriate toys, as toys for older children may contain small parts or other hazards that may make them unsafe for young children. 
  • Read and follow the age labels, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions that come with a toy. Purchase sturdy, well-made toys. 
  • Purchase toys that come with contact information for the manufacturer or importer. 
  • Promptly remove and discard all toy packaging like plastic bags, plastic wrap, foam, staples, ties and film protectors. A child can suffocate or choke on these items. 
  • Teach children of all ages that small magnets and small items containing magnets should never be placed in their mouth. 
  • Always supervise children and teach them how to use toys safely. 
As part of the Cooperative Engagement Framework, Health Canada works with its product safety counterparts in the United States and Mexico on a number of product safety initiatives, including joint product recalls and awareness initiatives. All three countries are working towards a common goal of achieving the highest level of safety for consumers throughout North America and promoting a global culture of safety. A few recent joint recalls of children’s products include:

  • ALERT: Graco Children’s Products Inc. recalls strollers & travel systems 
  •  McDonald's recalls Hello Kitty® Birthday Lollipop Whistle 
  • Toys "R" Us recalls "Just like Home" Toaster 
  • IKEA recalls GUNGGUNG Children's Swing Quick Facts 
See links to these recalls in the related links below.
 On average, Health Canada receives 71 reports per year on toy-related health or safety concerns. Toys can be recalled for health or safety reasons. Check the Healthy Canadians Recalls and Safety Alerts Database or download their mobile application for more information about the latest recalls. Did you know toymakers in Canada are required to make sure their products follow the rules set out in the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act and associated regulations, such as the Toys Regulations?
How do you ensure the toys you are buying are safe?
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1 comment:

  1. Unknown8:11 pm, November 20, 2014

    How do you keep your children safe from dangerous toys?

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