‘Immediately stop’: Dire warning issued for novelty Christmas toys over battery choking fears

A number of novelty toys sold in the lead-up to last Christmas have been urgently recalled over fears they could be fatal to young children.

A number of novelty household items containing button batteries – including a Christmas sock-shaped light – have been recalled over serious safety fears posed to young children.

Seven separate novelty items were recalled by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) because they didn’t comply with mandatory rules around button batteries.

The small, round batteries pose a risk to children of choking, severe internal burn injuries, or even death if they gain access to and ingest the batteries, according to the ACCC.

“Consumers should immediately stop using these novelty products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund,” a release from the ACCC said.

The items were supplied by BLJ International Pty Ltd and were sold at Smart Dollar Stores throughout NSW between November 15 – December 30, 2022.

The items include:

• Key ring light with button battery

Key ring light with button battery. Picture: ACCC

• 3 in 1 laser and led light

3 in 1 laser and led light. Picture: ACCC

• Light up Butterfly

Light up Butterfly. Picture: ACCC

• Electronic watch

• LED Tea Light

Electronic watch item. Picture: ACCC

LED Plastic Swinging Candles – small and large. Picture: ACCC

• LED Plastic Swinging Candles – small and large

• Merry Christmas Sock Shaped Light

LED Tea Light. Picture: ACCC

Merry Christmas Sock Shaped Light. Picture: ACCC

Under ACCC standards, suppliers have to adhere to a range of rules dictating how button batteries are used and tested, including insuring they are secure.

If a supplier cannot ensure the batteries can be secured inside the toy or other item throughout “reasonably foreseeable use of misuse”, it could breach the standards.