• The contents of 131 showbags and 20 stall products inspected for safety
• A total of 34 items failed to meet product safety standards
• Most items identified did not comply with new button battery rules

Product safety inspections of toys and novelty items being sold in showbags and by stallholders at this year’s Perth Royal Show have resulted in 34 items identified that do not comply with product safety standards.

Officers discovered 14 non-compliant items in 131 showbags and 20 items planned to be sold by stallholders during the annual inspection, carried out in association with the Royal Agricultural Society of WA.

The unsafe items include toys, jewellery and other novelties. There were also ingredient labelling issues with some cosmetics and toiletries. 

It’s the first time that products sold by stallholders at the Show have been inspected along with the contents of showbags.

The majority of the identified items failed to comply with new button battery safety laws which require the batteries to be contained in a secure compartment and pass compliance testing. The batteries must also be sold in child-resistant packaging when supplied separately and display warnings and emergency advice.

Acting Executive Director for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said button batteries can pose a serious risk to child safety.

“If young children gain access to a button battery and ingest it, they may suffer internal burn injuries which can result in serious illness and even death, that’s why it’s crucial for button batteries to be properly and adequately secured within the devices they power,” Ms Lipscombe said.

“New safety regulations that are now in force should go a long way towards improving the safety of button batteries and help prevent injury to children.

“Parents and carers of children are urged to supervise children using any battery-operated items and ensure all devices are contained within secure battery compartments.

“I would like to commend the Royal Agricultural Society for their proactive approach to safety by inviting officers from Consumer Protection to conduct these checks each year and ensure that toys and novelty items get a tick of approval to keep kids safe.”

If you suspect your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26, or contact 000 if your child is in distress.

More information on button battery safety is available on the Product Safety website. Toys or other products with unsecured button battery covers can be reported to Consumer Protection at consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or 1300 30 40 54.

Product safety officers will continue to conduct inspections during the 2022 Perth Royal Show which runs from 24 September to 1 October.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@dmirs.wa.gov.au  

Royal Show product safety inspection items

Royal Show product safety inspection items

A cowboy/cowgirl hat withdrawn from sale due to loose gems and button battery risk

A close-up of a non-compliant button battery compartment inside the cowboy/cowgirl hat

Loose plastic gems from a broken string wrist bracelet