Parents in Gedling borough are being told to return ‘unsafe dolls’ which have been on sale in Nottingham and contain a high level of chemicals that could make their children ill.
Nottingham City Trading Standards have sounded a warning about unsafe toys that have been on sale ahead of Christmas.
Nottingham City Trading Standards team have said the dolls, described as ‘Sweet Fashion Doll’ and ‘Girl Beautiful Doll’ have been found to contain high levels of phthalates (cor). This chemical is added to toughen plastic but it can harm the health of children, causing possible damage to the reproductive system.
Consumers who have bought one of the toys are advised not to give them to children. They should be returned to wherever they were bought from and buyers should inform Trading Standards.
It is thought that the dolls may have entered the UK through a number of different importers and have been supplied across the country.
Trading Standards are aware that at least one batch has been in circulation since May, however it is suspected other batches are likely to have been imported previously.
The dolls originate from China, are individually boxed and of poor quality. It is understood they have been on sale for between £1 and £3. They come in a variety of outfits but have language on the box which makes little sense.
Jane Bailey, Trading Standards Manager at Nottingham City Council, said: “The last thing anyone wants is Christmas ruined by their child becoming ill because of a toy they have been given.
“We’re urgently asking anyone who has bought one of these toys to return it immediately to the shop they bought it from, and then contact us.
“We understand the financial pressures people are under at the moment, but I’d urge parents to resist the temptation to buy cheap toys like these. They will carry none of the required quality marks and will likely have been subjected to no product testing at all.”
For further information regarding product safety for consumers please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/consumer-product-safety-advice-for-staying-safe.
Contact Nottingham City Council Trading Standards (via the Citizens’ Advice consumer helpline) on 03454 04 05 06.
