Consumer group reveals shocking safety failures on Temu's children's products
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As the digital marketplace continues to expand, online shopping has become a staple in many Australian households.
However, with this convenience comes a responsibility to ensure that the products we bring into our homes, especially those for our grandchildren, are safe.
Unfortunately, a recent investigation by the consumer advocacy group CHOICE revealed alarming safety failures in children's products sold on the one famous online shopping platform.
CHOICE anonymously purchased and tested 15 random coin and button battery-operated products from Temu last May.
According to the investigation, every single product failed at least one safety test mandated by Australian regulators.
This is particularly concerning, given the stringent laws in 2022 which required button batteries to be secure and child-resistant.
If swallowed, button batteries could get lodged in a child's throat, triggering a chemical reaction.
This chemical reaction could burn through tissues, leading to severe injuries or death in a matter of hours.
CHOICE CEO Ashley de Silva highlighted the gravity of the situation.
'These products all contain button batteries—which have killed three kids in Australia and 35 internationally,' de Silva stated in an interview with Sunrise.
They also demonstrated how a light-up toy with a battery compartment could easily pop open, posing a significant risk to children.
Among the products that failed CHOICE's safety testing included children's watches, spinning tops, mini electronic games, and LED tea lights.
'When we contacted Temu to let them know about the products, they removed three from sale, but there were still 12 untested products for sale at the time,' de Silva added.
The ease of dislodging the batteries was a reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly innocent toys and accessories.
The issue raises questions about the importation and regulation of such products.
'Australia has mandatory regulations. This came in two years ago off the back of campaigning from CHOICE to make sure these products were at least regulated,' de Silva explained.
However, he pointed out that Australia also lacked general safety provisions in law, which led to a reactive approach to product safety.
In response to these findings, CHOICE called on Temu to sign a product safety pledge, effectively aligning itself with other online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Catch.
This pledge could be a step towards product safety among products sold in Australia, particularly those intended for children.
It's crucial to stay informed about the products we purchase for our families and support retailers that prioritise safety.
We encourage everyone to be vigilant when shopping online and to report any safety concerns to the ACCC.
Have you had any experiences with unsafe products purchased online? How do you ensure the safety of the items you buy for your family? We would love to read your thoughts on this issue in the comments section below.
However, with this convenience comes a responsibility to ensure that the products we bring into our homes, especially those for our grandchildren, are safe.
Unfortunately, a recent investigation by the consumer advocacy group CHOICE revealed alarming safety failures in children's products sold on the one famous online shopping platform.
CHOICE anonymously purchased and tested 15 random coin and button battery-operated products from Temu last May.
According to the investigation, every single product failed at least one safety test mandated by Australian regulators.
This is particularly concerning, given the stringent laws in 2022 which required button batteries to be secure and child-resistant.
Several toys and products from Temu were tagged as safety risks towards children. Image Credit: Temu Australia
If swallowed, button batteries could get lodged in a child's throat, triggering a chemical reaction.
This chemical reaction could burn through tissues, leading to severe injuries or death in a matter of hours.
CHOICE CEO Ashley de Silva highlighted the gravity of the situation.
'These products all contain button batteries—which have killed three kids in Australia and 35 internationally,' de Silva stated in an interview with Sunrise.
They also demonstrated how a light-up toy with a battery compartment could easily pop open, posing a significant risk to children.
Among the products that failed CHOICE's safety testing included children's watches, spinning tops, mini electronic games, and LED tea lights.
'When we contacted Temu to let them know about the products, they removed three from sale, but there were still 12 untested products for sale at the time,' de Silva added.
The ease of dislodging the batteries was a reminder of the potential dangers lurking in seemingly innocent toys and accessories.
The issue raises questions about the importation and regulation of such products.
'Australia has mandatory regulations. This came in two years ago off the back of campaigning from CHOICE to make sure these products were at least regulated,' de Silva explained.
However, he pointed out that Australia also lacked general safety provisions in law, which led to a reactive approach to product safety.
In response to these findings, CHOICE called on Temu to sign a product safety pledge, effectively aligning itself with other online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Catch.
This pledge could be a step towards product safety among products sold in Australia, particularly those intended for children.
It's crucial to stay informed about the products we purchase for our families and support retailers that prioritise safety.
We encourage everyone to be vigilant when shopping online and to report any safety concerns to the ACCC.
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