Parents Beware: Warning About Dangerous Toys

Social and Health Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) warned on Tuesday, on the occasion of Black Week, to be cautious when buying toys. "Many offers seem tempting, but especially in the low-cost segment, we still find too many products that can be dangerous for children," she emphasized in a statement. Regular official investigations by AGES have shown for years that toys are among the products with the highest complaint rates.

Schumann: "Buy Consciously"

"Especially in the pre-Christmas period, more toys appear on the market that do not meet safety requirements," Schumann explained. The Agency for Health and Food Safety repeatedly finds serious deficiencies - such as swallowable small parts, dangerously high noise levels, unsafe magnets, or toys with prohibited chemicals.

Toys for children under three years are particularly affected. "It is problematic that we see so many risks, especially with products for the youngest - from detachable button eyes to harmful substances that can be ingested by sucking or chewing," Schumann emphasized after a visit to the AGES toy control laboratory in Linz. "My appeal is clear: Buy consciously and pay close attention to whether a toy is really safe." With the new EU toy regulation, which is to be adopted this year, the level of protection for children will be further increased.

CE Marking and Age Indications

When buying toys, the product should be checked for a CE marking and age indications should be taken seriously, recommends the ministry. Buyers can also test the workmanship and stability as well as control the volume of toy phones. Caution is advised with magnetic toys, and it is best to buy only from reputable dealers.

With Black Week and the upcoming Christmas shopping, the proportion of purchases from foreign online retailers is significantly increasing. "If toys are extremely cheap or come from questionable sources, caution is advised," Schumann advises. On platforms like Temu, there are currently association lawsuits due to manipulative designs and lack of protective measures for minors, the ministry emphasized.

(APA/Red)

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