In right now’s world, on-line procuring has develop into extremely well-liked, particularly as extra individuals search for low cost offers to assist with the rising value of dwelling. First, it was eBay, then got here Want, and now a brand new low-price retailer has taken over. Temu gives a variety of merchandise at unbelievably low costs. I like Temu. It’s a boon for this book-loving, crafter’s coronary heart and discovering area of interest presents (or kitchen gadgets) at a fraction of the price.
Nonetheless, latest investigations by CHOICE have uncovered critical button battery issues of safety with toys offered on Temu, elevating considerations concerning the dangers related to shopping for low cost gadgets on-line.
What Did Selection Discover?
CHOICE examined 15 random merchandise offered on Temu and located that ALL OF THEM failed to fulfill Australian security requirements, significantly relating to the security of button batteries. The investigation confirmed that unsafe toys and novelty gadgets pose important hazards to kids.
It’s a worrying set of outcomes, given Temu’s surging Australian recognition
The outcomes have been alarming too. Each product contained button battery hazards, that means they may very well be harmful if accessed by younger kids. The investigation discovered that many of the examined gadgets had unsafe battery compartments, which might result in critical damage and even demise if a baby ingests a button battery.
“Each product examined failed at the least one requirement beneath the Australian button battery rules.” Professional testers stated.
3 Vital Failures on Button Battery Security
1. Simply Accessible Button Batteries
One main situation discovered was that a number of toys had battery compartments that have been too simple for younger kids to open. Of the merchandise examined, 7 didn’t have safe battery compartments. For example, an LED tutu skirt priced at $12.79 was significantly alarming, as its lithium battery compartment may very well be opened with none instruments, posing a critical threat to kids. Though the particular mannequin examined has been eliminated, related merchandise are nonetheless accessible on Temu, and it’s unclear in the event that they now adjust to security rules.
A coin cell charger got here with two lithium batteries got here in a small Ziploc bag, simply accessible to kids.
2. Non-Captive Screws
One other drawback recognized was non-captive screws in 7 toys, that means the screws may simply be misplaced when altering the batteries. This may enable kids to open the quilt and entry the batteries inside. In line with Australian Toy Security Requirements, a captive screw that stays hooked up to the battery cowl is required, but many merchandise don’t meet this requirement.
3. Labelling Failures
Along with bodily hazards, the investigation discovered that 14 out of 15 merchandise lacked the mandatory button battery security alert symbols on their packaging. Most of the security labels current, comparable to choking hazard warnings, have been printed in such small textual content that they have been just about unreadable.
Purchaser Beware!
Temu has since eliminated the merchandise that failed security testing, together with the LED tea lights, digital writing pad, and light-up tutu. However related merchandise nonetheless stay. This incident raises considerations concerning the platform’s capability to detect and take away unsafe merchandise successfully.
Temu has develop into well-liked in Australia, with a Roy Morgan survey revealing that 3.8 million Australians aged 14 and over have shopped on the positioning at the least as soon as prior to now 12 months, and a staggering 80% of those are repeat clients. With such a speedy rise in recognition, the urgency for security measures is bigger than ever.
Temu’s Dedication to Security
Whereas Temu claims to require sellers to submit documentation affirming product security, it has not but signed the Voluntary Product Security Pledge that different main on-line marketplaces like eBay and Amazon have dedicated to. This pledge commits marketplaces to 12 product safety-related actions, together with taking down unsafe product listings rapidly.
CHOICE has urged Temu to signal this pledge to reinforce shopper security.
“Our spot examine suggests extra must be performed to scale back the variety of problematic gadgets offered within the first place.”
Name for Authorities Motion
CHOICE is advocating for a basic security provision that might make it unlawful to promote unsafe merchandise in Australia. This may apply to all on-line marketplaces, together with Temu, which continues to promote merchandise that will not adjust to native legal guidelines.
“Large firms like Temu proceed to flout necessary button battery security necessities, placing kids in Australia prone to critical damage and even demise,” Andy Kelly, CHOICE deputy director of campaigns and communications stated.
Button Battery Security Suggestions for Customers
When buying merchandise on-line, particularly these powered by button batteries, customers ought to comply with these security ideas:
- Verify Battery Compartments: Be certain that the battery compartment is safe and childproof.
- Search for Warning Labels: At all times examine for correct security labels, together with the button battery warning image.
- Examine for Injury: Recurrently examine toys and merchandise for any injury, and if any half appears unsafe, cease utilizing it instantly.
- Get rid of Button Batteries Safely: Tape each side of used button batteries, retailer them in a child-resistant container, and recycle them at designated drop-off factors.
- When you suspect a toddler has swallowed or inserted a button battery: Contact the 24/7 Poison Info Centre on 13 11 26, and Triple Zero (000) instantly in case your baby is having any problem respiration.
Whereas the attract of low cost on-line procuring is tough to withstand, the security of your kids ought to at all times come first. Keep knowledgeable and vigilant when shopping for merchandise, particularly from platforms like Temu, to make sure you’re not risking their well-being.
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