Thousands of products have been seized from retailer Panda Mart

A public warning has been issued after thousands of products were seized from the popular Melbourne retailer that sells cheap toys, homewares and beauty products.

A public warning has been issued after thousands of products were seized from popular discount retailer Panda Mart.

Inspectors from Consumer Affairs Victoria raided the Panda Mart store in Cranbourne, Melbourne, confiscating thousands of dangerous items that failed to meet mandatory product safety and information standards.

Toys and baby rattles containing button batteries that were inadequately secured or labelled were taken off the shelves because of risks they posed to children who could swallow the life threatening items.

Inspectors from Consumer Affairs Victoria raided the Panda Mart store in Cranbourne store, in Melbourne’s southeast. Picture: Supplied

Button batteries can burn the oesophagus when swallowed, causing internal burns, bleeding and death within two hours of ingesting.

Inspectors also seized cosmetics that failed to meet a range of safety standards, projectiles that could cause injuries and other items that could choke or strangle a person.

Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said businesses had an obligation to ensure the items they sold met safety standards and did not pose a danger to the public.

‘We know many Victorians are looking for bargains when they’re shopping given the cost of living, but they shouldn’t have to worry about picking up dangerous products at the same time, especially ones for babies and kids,” she said.

Consumers who purchased any items from Panda Mart have been advised to stop using them immediately and return them to the store for a refund. Picture: Supplied

“We’ve responded quickly to take action and remove these products from the shelves – but it’s up to businesses to understand the law, and not stock them in the first place.”

Consumer Affairs Victoria is continuing to investigate this matter and will take further action where required.

Under Australian Consumer Law, businesses can be fined up to $50m for supplying products that do not meet mandatory safety or information standards.

Anyone who purchased any items from Panda Mart has been advised to stop using them immediately and return them to the store for a refund.

Comment is being sought from the Panda Mart store.