Hong Kong Customs alerts public on baby pillow found to contain excessive plasticiser (with photo)
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Customs officers earlier conducted a test-buy operation on six models of baby pillows from retailers in different districts for safety testing. Results from the Government Laboratory revealed that one model of baby pillow contained phthalates (a type of plasticiser) exceeding the limit stipulated in the TCPSO and its subsidiary legislation by 4.3 times. It is believed that the baby pillow came from Taiwan according to initial investigation.
Customs officers then conducted an operation last week and seized three baby pillows of the same model from a retail shop.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs reminds members of the public that chronic exposure to plasticisers may harm children's health, and cause liver, kidney, reproductive and development system toxicity. Parents should be alert and prevent their children from having prolonged exposure to toys and children's products with excessive plasticiser.
Customs advises members of the public to observe the following safety tips when purchasing and using children's products:
- Pay attention to age recommendations indicated on labels;
- Pay attention to and follow all instructions associated with the products;
- Avoid letting children have prolonged exposure to or lick plastic products;
- Throw away plastic packaging bags of the products to avoid children being suffocated; and
- Stop children using the products immediately if any damage is observed.
Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on toys and children's products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.
Under the TCPSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys or children's products. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on a subsequent conviction.
Members of the public may report information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children's products via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, August 10, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:15
Issued at HKT 19:15
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