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Previous: What was tested
Previous: What was tested
Whilst more details of the products tested would be great, I still think this article is very worth while.
It raises awareness that many childrens products being sold here in NZ aren't safe and that we need to be careful - the current restrictions are minimal and the amount of testing is close to nothing relative to the number of products being sold.
A quick online search of the toxins tested for will soon help any interested parent to make wiser choices when buying toys etc. I hope that Consumer will follow this article up in the near future with more test results and a comprehensive guide for buying childrens products.
I agree with the other comments - without listing the problem toys this report offers nothing more than a general paranoia about toys - not useful
Hi Richard,
Testing of the toys was done by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. We've asked the Ministry for a list of all products tested and the results.
We've recently posted new information about six more toys with high lead levels. The products are listed here http://www.consumer.org.nz/news/view/high-lead-levels-found-in-toys
Kind regards,
Jessica Wilson
Research writer
Major toy manufacturers test their products to the toy standards used by their major markets. These are EN71 for UK/Europe (CE Mark) and ASTM F963 for USA. Before you consider buying a toy check for the presence of either of these marks on the packaging. AS/NZS ISO 8124 may also be cited. Reputable retailers will require compliance to one of these standards before putting a toy on sale.
Full testing for a toy to any of these standards is expensive. If you find a cheap toy, from an unknown manufacturer, in a cheap outlet, that has these marks, consider that these marks can easily be counterfeited!
Hi Craig, Amanda and others.
Testing of the toys was done by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. We've asked the Ministry for a list of all products tested and the results.
We've recently posted new information about six more toys with high lead levels. The products are listed here http://www.consumer.org.nz/news/view/high-lead-levels-found-in-toys
Kind regards,
Jessica Wilson
Research writer
might as well remove this report if you dont name the items in question. what a waste of time
I don't sell face paints but I am a professional face painter, so here's my advice...
When shopping for face paints you should look in the descriptions for something like "uses only FDA approved ingredients" or the equivalent European standards. Non toxic is a start but is actually a test of how safe it is to eat, not how safe it is leave on your skin for a day.
Face paints of the quality shown in these photographs are usually described as cosmetic quality - they meet the standards for "adult" cosmetics and are very comfortable to wear.
The most readily available cosmetic quality face paint in NZ that I'm aware of is Snazaroo - it's in the toy shops and bookstores. Kryolan, Grimas, Tag, Mehron and Diamond FX are some of the other professional quality paints you can get in NZ.
Good face paints cost much more for a starter kit than the rubbish ones do - but they go a very long way, they don't crack and irritate, they're much easier to apply and you child won't want them washed off 5 minutes later.
Check out snazaroo.com for more information about face painting and about quality. Bodyfx.co.nz sell quality paints online in NZ.
My son had a significant allergic reaction to the fake blood we used for Halloween this year.
Where does one even report such things? - it was from the $2 shop and they didn't have any when I went back for a sample.
The report states that the testing was done by Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Maybe Consumer.org doesn't have the details?