Urgent warning for cutesy toy that could be a child killer

4 hours ago 4

Victoria’s consumer safety regulator has been forced to remove a range of off-brand Labubu-style keychain toys sold by Chinese retailer Miniso, after it failed to inform parents that they contained batteries that pose a risk to children.

Consumer Affairs Victoria said on Thursday its officers had been forced to enter Miniso stores and remove hundreds of non-compliant toys off the shelves because they did not have legally mandated warnings or labels informing shoppers that they contained so-called “button batteries”.

The batteries are small flat discs that have a history of causing death and serious injury in children who unwittingly swallow them. They can burn through the oesophagus within hours of being ingested.

Disney Mickey Mouse Fun Life Collection keychains were among the non-compliant Labubu-style products containing button batteries removed from Miniso’s shelves by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

While products containing button batteries can be sold, there are strict information standards requiring labelling to warn parents of the potential danger for children. “For toys containing button batteries, the correct labelling ensures that you are aware the product contains button batteries and what the potential risks are,” a Consumer Affairs Victoria statement said.

Consumer Affairs Victoria officers conducting inspections last month had found more than 400 items at Miniso stores that failed to carry sufficient warnings. The retailer initially provided assurances that non-compliant items would be removed from sale.

However, on Thursday – four weeks after the initial order to stop selling the non-compliant products – authorities said follow-up inspections had found that not only were they still available, inspectors had identified further products for sale that failed to meet the information standards.

Officers were forced to enter stores and remove the potentially hazardous products off the shelves themselves. As of Thursday, inspectors continued to locate non-compliant products on shelves.

The list of non-compliant product lines includes Disney-themed keychains of characters including Mickey Mouse and Stitch, plush toy character keychains similar to Labubu dolls, as well as a Harry Potter night light. The keychain toys illuminate, requiring the battery. A full list can be viewed here.

Miniso was contacted for comment.

Consumer Affairs Victoria has now referred Miniso to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, given the chain’s national presence. Miniso operates 17 stores in Victoria and five in New South Wales, selling homewares, cosmetics, office supplies, fashion accessories and toys.

It is unclear if the non-compliant products are also being sold in Miniso’s NSW shops. Fair Trading NSW was contacted for comment.

Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich said she had decided to issue the public warning because “we’re worried people who have bought these products might not be aware of the risks”.

“There is a risk of choking, serious injury, or severe internal burn injuries if young children gain access to the button batteries and swallow or place them inside their body,” she said.

Rich said her inspectors would continue to target retailers failing to include warning labels. “The information standards are mandatory for a reason. Parents and carers have the right to be warned about the serious dangers posed,” Rich said.

Under consumer law, selling products without mandatory safety information carries a maximum penalty of $50 million for a company.

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