A recent NSW Fair Trading blitz on button batteries has found dozens of potentially unsafe products on shop shelves across Sydney.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said Fair Trading assessed more than 170 button battery products this year alone.
"Button batteries are extremely dangerous if they fall into the hands of young children," Mr Kean said.
"They can quickly become lodged in the throat or intestinal tract, causing almost immediate and very serious damage to a child’s organs.
"With Christmas just around the corner, it’s important consumers know the dangers of button batteries, and keep a close eye on children at all times."
The operation spread across more than 260 businesses in the greater Sydney region, and was conducted in partnership with other regulators. As a result:
- 36 products were removed from the shelves;
- 1 product was recalled;
- 53 products required updated warnings on packaging or instructions; and,
- 9 retailers will now provide in-store or online warnings to educate parents and carers about the dangers of button batteries.
Products such as musical greeting cards, small toys, flameless candles, remote car keys and remote controls commonly contain button batteries.
Mr Kean said one national retailer was contacted about a button battery pack that may not have been child-resistant.
"The global manufacturer accepted responsibility and is planning to introduce new child-resistant packaging," Mr Kean said.
"This is just another example of New South Wales lifting safety standards, and better protecting consumers around the world."
Fair Trading conduct dozens of compliance operations every year around NSW, protecting consumers and ensuring businesses are doing the right thing. This button battery blitz shows families can trust the Liberal National Party to put consumers first.
