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
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
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
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.
'Once a child has swallowed a button battery, it becomes a race against time since injury can occur within a couple of hours.'
Two-wick Halloween candles
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
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.
The ongoing fight for product safety
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.
Emergency action for button battery incidents
Don't wait for symptoms; Call 000 immediately
Don't make the child vomit
Don't give them food or drink
Get to the nearest emergency department
Identifying dangerous products in your home
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
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.
Primary source
Button batteries | Product Safety Australia
Cited text: 'Three children have died in Australia from incidents involving button batteries, and many children have been seriously injured due to swallowing...'
Excerpt: '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.'
Button batteries guide
Button batteries are dangerous and can cause serious injuries or death if swallowed or inserted. Act immediately if you suspect your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery.www.productsafety.gov.au
Button Batteries | kidsafe Australia
Cited text: 'They may be small, but if a child swallows a button battery; even a used one, it can burn through soft tissue in just two hours causing horrendous...'
Excerpt: 'These small button batteries could burn through soft tissue within two hours, causing horrendous internal injuries and death when swallowed.'
Button battery safety | Consumer and Business Services
Cited text: 'In Australia, around 20 children present to an emergency department each week because they’ve swallowed or inserted a button battery into body parts...'
Excerpt: 'Around 20 children are sent to emergency departments weekly because they've swallowed or inserted a button battery.'
Study reveals severe impact of button battery injuries in young children—The University of Sydney
Cited text: 'The group most at risk for severe injury or death were children younger than 2 years old who had swallowed a button battery that was 20mm (2cm)...'
Excerpt: Children younger than two years old who end up swallowing button batteries are at the highest risk of injury or death.
Button battery safety failures
Cited text: 'We found an even worse failure rate in January 2024, with serious failures in 10 out of 15 products that we bought in late 2023.'
Excerpt: '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.'
Household products with button batteries fail CHOICE safety tests
CHOICE experts lab tested 15 everyday items against Australia's button battery safety laws, and found that 10 had serious failures.
www.choice.com.au
City Beach in court for alleged sale of thousands of non-compliant button battery products | ACCC
Cited text: 'It is alleged that between 22 June 2022 and 24 October 2024, surf, skatewear and accessories retailer City Beach offered for sale 70 product lines...'
Excerpt: '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.'
City Beach in court for alleged sale of thousands of non-compliant button battery products
The ACCC has commenced legal proceedings in the Federal Court against Fewstone Pty Ltd, trading as City Beach, for allegedly selling products containing button batteries which did not comply with mandatory product safety and information standards, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.www.accc.gov.au
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