When you're browsing online for small gifts or stocking stuffers for the grandkids, a colourful mini torch for under $3 seems like a harmless purchase.
But a recent product recall from global retailer SHEIN serves as a stark reminder that not everything that looks safe actually is.[/p]
SHEIN has urged customers to immediately stop using the $2.84 LED mini flashlight, as it doesn't comply with the mandatory standards for products containing button/coin batteries. The seemingly innocent gadget, available in pastel colours with matching lanyards, has been marketed as perfect for school bags and party favours—exactly the sort of thing many of us might pick up for young family members.
What makes these torches so dangerous?
The issue isn't with the torch itself, but with the button battery tucked inside. If children swallow or place button/coin batteries inside their bodies, they are at risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries, or death.
These tiny powerhouses might look harmless, but when swallowed, they can cause chemical burns within just two hours. The saliva in a child's mouth creates an electrical current that literally burns through tissue. It's a medical emergency that can be fatal.
'If they swallow or place button/coin batteries inside their bodies, they are at risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries, or death.'
The problem with the SHEIN torches is that children can easily access the battery—there's no secure compartment, and the products are missing the required warning labels about the dangers.
This isn't just a SHEIN problem
This comes shortly after Crocs issued a similar product recall on their LED Jibbitz Charms, as they also did not comply with the mandatory standards for products containing button/coin batteries. That recall affected 102 different products, including Disney, Harry Potter, and Pokémon themed accessories sold through major Australian retailers.
Recent months have seen similar recalls from other online platforms. AliExpress recalled LED strip lights because they allow easy access by children to the lithium coin batteries, posing an ingestion hazard. The pattern is clear: many online retailers are selling products that simply don't meet Australian safety standards.
Understanding Australia's safety rules
A mandatory safety standard applies to consumer goods and accessories containing button and coin batteries. The product must be sold with a secure battery compartment and undergo product testing.
These aren't optional guidelines—they're legal requirements designed to protect children. Products must be sold with warning labels on their packaging. When retailers ignore these standards, it puts our most vulnerable family members at risk.
What you need to do right now
If you've purchased these SHEIN LED mini flashlights—whether individually or in multipacks—here's what to do immediately:
Immediate action required
- Stop using the product immediately
- Keep it away from children
- Dispose of it safely
- Watch for an email from SHEIN with refund instructions
- Contact [email protected] if you don't receive the recall email
The good news is that SHEIN is offering full refunds. You'll receive an email with a link to confirm you've disposed of the product, and once you click that link, your refund will be processed.
Shopping safely for the grandchildren
This recall highlights the importance of being cautious when shopping online, especially for children's items. Here are some red flags to watch for:
Warning signs of unsafe products:
- No clear brand information or Australian supplier details
- Missing safety warnings or age recommendations
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Products shipped directly from overseas without local certification
- No mention of compliance with Australian standards
Button battery safety checklist
Before buying any small electronic item for children, check that:
✓ Battery compartments require a tool or significant force to open
✓ Products have clear warning labels about battery dangers
✓ Items are age-appropriate (nothing with accessible batteries for under-6s)
✓ The seller provides Australian contact details for support
When in doubt, stick to established Australian retailers who are required to ensure their products meet local safety standards. Yes, you might pay a bit more, but the peace of mind is worth it.
The bigger picture
This recall is part of a concerning trend of online retailers flooding the Australian market with products that don't meet our safety standards. Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe. But by the time a recall happens, these items have already made their way into homes across the country.
The responsibility ultimately lies with us as consumers to be vigilant about what we're bringing into our homes, especially when grandchildren are involved.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Australia has some of the world's strictest safety standards for products containing button batteries. These rules were strengthened after several tragic incidents involving young children. Always look for products that specifically mention compliance with Australian standards.
Moving forward
While this particular recall affects a relatively inexpensive item, it serves as an important reminder about online shopping vigilance. The convenience and low prices of global online retailers can be tempting, but they come with risks that aren't always immediately obvious.
Next time you're browsing for gifts, take a moment to consider not just the price, but the safety credentials of what you're buying. Your grandchildren's safety is worth far more than the few dollars you might save on a bargain.
Have you had any experiences with recalled products from online retailers? Have you found it challenging to keep track of safety recalls for items you've purchased online? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—your story might help other readers stay safe.
Primary Source
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/majo...t-shein-choking-burns-or-death-005339242.html
Major product recall on 'dangerous' $2 item from shopping giant SHEIN: 'Choking, burns or death'
Cited text: The global online retailer has urged customers to immediately stop using the $2.84 LED mini flashlight, as it doesn’t comply with the mandatory standa...
Excerpt: SHEIN has urged customers to immediately stop using the $2.84 LED mini flashlight, as it doesn't comply with the mandatory standards for products containing button/coin batteries.
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/majo...t-shein-choking-burns-or-death-005339242.html
Major product recall on 'dangerous' $2 item from shopping giant SHEIN: 'Choking, burns or death'
Cited text: If they swallow or place button/coin batteries inside their bodies, they are at risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries, or death.
Excerpt: If children swallow or place button/coin batteries inside their bodies, they are at risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries, or death.
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/majo...t-shein-choking-burns-or-death-005339242.html
Major product recall on 'dangerous' $2 item from shopping giant SHEIN: 'Choking, burns or death'
Cited text: Photo: SHEIN · This comes shortly after Crocs issued a similar product recall on their LED Jibbitz Charms, as they also did not comply with the mandat...
Excerpt: This comes shortly after Crocs issued a similar product recall on their LED Jibbitz Charms, as they also did not comply with the mandatory standards for products containing button/coin batteries.
https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/majo...t-shein-choking-burns-or-death-005339242.html
AliExpress Recalls LED Strip Lights Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Ingestion Hazard; Violations of Reese’s Law Federal Safety Regulations for Consumer Products with Coin Batteries; Sold on AliExpress.com | CPSC.gov
Cited text: The recalled lights violate the mandatory federal regulations for consumer products designed to use button cell or coin batteries because the strip li...
Excerpt: AliExpress recalled LED strip lights because they allow easy access by children to the lithium coin batteries, posing an ingestion hazard.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/A...ts-with-Coin-Batteries-Sold-on-AliExpress-com
Recall: AliExpress Recalls LED Strip Lights Due to Risk of Serious Injury or Death from Ingestion Hazard; Violations of Reese's Law Federal Safety Regulations for Consumer Products with Coin Batteries; Sold on AliExpress.com :: Consumer Recalls :: Justia Inc
Cited text: Hazard: The recalled lights violate the mandatory federal regulations for consumer products designed to use button cell or coin batteries because the ...
Excerpt: AliExpress recalled LED strip lights because they allow easy access by children to the lithium coin batteries, posing an ingestion hazard.
https://recalls.justia.com/household-and-office/batteries-other-than-button-batteries/25-232/
Products containing button and coin batteries mandatory safety standard | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: A mandatory safety standard applies to consumer goods and accessories containing button and coin batteries. The product must be sold with a secure bat...
Excerpt: A mandatory safety standard applies to consumer goods and accessories containing button and coin batteries.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/bu...-and-coin-batteries-mandatory-safety-standard
Products containing button and coin batteries mandatory information standard | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: The product must be sold with warnings labels and information.
Excerpt: Products must be sold with warning labels on their packaging.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/bu...coin-batteries-mandatory-information-standard
Button and coin batteries mandatory information standard | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Products must be sold with warning labels on their packaging.
Excerpt: Products must be sold with warning labels on their packaging.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/bu...coin-batteries-mandatory-information-standard
Products containing button and coin batteries mandatory safety standard | ACCC Product Safety
Cited text: Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.
Excerpt: Suppliers may need to recall a product when it doesn't meet the mandatory standard or is potentially unsafe.
https://www.productsafety.gov.au/bu...-and-coin-batteries-mandatory-safety-standard
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