Manchester City Council Trading Standards Service

Local News

August 2007 - Safety recall of Mattel Toys

Mattel UK has issued recalls on a number of their toys which have been sold in the UK. If consumers are worried that they may have purchased any of these toys a full list of the affected products is available at Mattel. If consumers are worried about the safety of any toys on sale currently they should contact us. Trading Standards regularly test toys on sale to ensure that they are safe for children.

August 2007 - Safety recall of Nokia Batteries

Nokia have issued a recall on the Nokia-branded BL - 5C battery for use in certain Nokia telephones. If consumers think they may have a battery affected by the recall they can check it at Nokia.

December 2006 - Mini Motorbikes

Consumers are being warned not to buy mini motorbikes for their children. Trading Standards have carried out tests on a number of these bikes and all the bikes tested were considered to be unsafe and dangerous.

Engine chains were not fully and properly guarded so there is the potential for major damage to hands and feet if they should inadvertently make contact
Handle bar levers were not ball ended in order to reduce body penetration when impacted and to reduce the chance of catching other objects when passing
No speed limiting device which can be adjusted or removed by an adult
Fuel system vents fuel under the nose of the rider causing a dangerous situation from the point of view of inhalation and fire hazards
Sharp edges on plastic
Problems with braking systems
Lack of proper instructions

In addition to the safety concerns about these bikes it is an offence to use them on a public road. Anyone who uses the bikes in a public park or common ground would probably present a danger or noise nuisance. For these reasons Police forces throughout the country have been seizing the bikes and destroying them.

November 2006 - Baby Toy Dolls

We are advising wholesalers and retailers not to sell the battery operated 'Beautiful/Lovely Baby' toy dolls pictured opposite. The toys were submitted for testing and have failed the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations, 1995 due to sharp points on the ends of the LED earrings that are easily detached from the dolls ears. They should not be given to children. In addition the toys are not correctly CE marked.

December 2005 - Puffer Ball

We are warning wholesalers and retailers not to sell these multi-coloured balls, which resemble sea anemones. The toys were submitted for testing and have failed the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations, 1995 flammability tests. The balls have a strong petroleum-like smell and the smallest contact with a flame causes the tendrils to burn violently and fire to spread rapidly. Wholesalers and retailers who ignore warnings to take these toys off sale face prosecution.

November 2005 - Spiderman Motorcycle and Quadbike

We are advising wholesalers and retailers not to sell the Spiderman Bump'n'Go Motorcycle and Quadbike pictured opposite. The toys were submitted for testing and have failed the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations, 1995 due to excessive lead found in the paint on the toys; so they should not be given to children. In addition the toys are not official Marvel products, which would suggest they are counterfeit.

August 2005 - Snake Toy

The snake toy pictured opposite is dangerous for children and should not be on sale in the UK. The toy fails the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations, 1995 because it is not marked with any of the statutory markings required. The fur, eyes and rubber bands found on the toy can all easily come loose creating a choking hazard to young children, and the lead accompanying the toy has sharp points that could cause serious injury to the user. Therefore, we recommend traders do not stock this toy for sale and that parents should not give this toy to their children. If you have any concerns or questions please contact our office below.

March 2005 - Flashing Imitation Children's Pacifiers\Novelties

$Flashing Imitation Children's Pacifiers\Novelties$

It appears that the latest craze for children and clubbers is to accessorise with flashing toys that are worn around the neck. As these toys contain small detachable parts and have a cord length of longer than 380mm they may form a choking hazard. Most of the toys imitate children's pacifiers and would appeal to children and babies who could place them into their mouths. Supplying the toys is a criminal offence and one that Manchester Trading Standards takes very seriously. Officers from this Service have been patrolling the streets and have seized over 1,000 of the suspected items from illegal street traders.

Further Information

Contact us

Manchester Trading Standards Service
1 Hammerstone Road
Gorton
Manchester
M18 8EQ

Tel: 0161 234 1555 (8.45am to 5pm)
Fax: 0161 957 8379
Email: trading_standards@manchester.gov.uk

Contact the Council

Telephone: 0161 234 5000

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