Spooked by your own Halloween decor? Some products in your home could be scarier than they look

With Halloween just around the corner, many homes across Australia are stocking up on spooky decor and treats for the grandkids.

Yet, this year's shopping trips could take a dangerous turn, with several popular Halloween products recalled over safety fears.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued urgent warnings about specific Halloween items sold at major retailers.

The said products were all linked to a silent danger that's claiming lives across the country.

The recalled products put consumers at risk

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Three children have already died from incidents involving button batteries, and the latest recalls highlight how widespread this danger has become during the Halloween season.

Light-up tombstone decorations

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First off the list of items is a novelty LED tombstone sold online.

The ACCC warned consumers about the product due to its button batteries aren't secure.

The screw covering the decor's battery compartment could easily be misplaced when replacing batteries, leaving small button batteries within reach of children.

LED bouncing balls from Coles

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Meanwhile, the ACCC also raised warnings for Halloween-themed light-up bouncing balls sold at Coles.

These small button batteries could burn through soft tissue within two hours, causing horrendous internal injuries and death when swallowed.

Two-wick Halloween candles

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Lastly, The Reject Shop's novelty Halloween candles pose a different but equally serious risk.

The ACCC discovered that the wicks can be positioned too close to the container's edge. This could lead to overheating and creating a significant fire hazard.

The hidden epidemic in Australian homes

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What many don't realise is that button battery dangers extend far beyond these recalls.

Around 20 children are sent to emergency departments weekly because they've swallowed or inserted a button battery. That equates to about 1,000 children facing potential life-threatening injuries due to the batteries.

Children younger than two years old who end up swallowing button batteries are at the highest risk of injury or death.

Research shows children who don't have the battery removed within six hours are more likely to die.

Yet, despite Australia introducing world-first mandatory safety standards in 2022, a 2024 investigation by CHOICE found serious safety failures in 10 out of 15 household products containing button batteries.

Halloween-themed LED bouncing balls sold at Coles have sparked a warning from ACCC product safety. Image Credit: ACCC

The ongoing fight for product safety

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Recent court action shows the problem persists, with City Beach allegedly selling 70 products containing non-compliant button batteries between June 2022 and October 2024.

Even with mandatory safety standards, vigilant consumers still need to stay informed about product safety issues.

Identifying dangerous products in your home

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Button batteries power numerous household items, including car remotes, calculators, thermometers, musical greeting cards, flashing novelty goods, and kitchen scales.

Many of these items seem harmless, but can become deadly if the battery compartment isn't properly secured.

Look for products where:

• Battery compartments can be opened without tools

• Screws are loose or missing

• Batteries are visible or accessible

• There are no warning labels about button battery dangers

How to check if you own recalled products

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If you've been Halloween shopping recently, here's what to do:

1. Check the Product Safety Australia website for the most current recall information.

2. Look for the specific Halloween products mentioned by the ACCC.

3. Return items immediately to the store where you purchased them.

4. Don't wait: even if children haven't played with these items yet, the risk remains.

5. Keep the Poison Information Centre number handy: Dial 13 11 26 for any concerns about products with button batteries.

The ACCC continues to work with retailers to ensure compliance, but the message for grandparents is clear: when it comes to button batteries, assume every product is potentially dangerous until proven otherwise.

This Halloween, the best treat you can give your grandchildren isn't a toy or bag of lollies—it's the peace of mind that comes from knowing they're safe.

Take a few extra minutes to check those Halloween purchases, and help ensure this spooky season stays fun than frightening.

Have you encountered any concerning Halloween products while shopping for the grandkids this year? Share your experiences and safety tips in the comments below. Your vigilance could help keep another family safe.