Dangerous fake Christmas toys found in UK stores

The UK authorities have discovered fake Christmas toys that are dangerous to the health of children and their parents. The counterfeits include Disney toys.

Criminals are trying to use the Christmas hype to sell a raft of counterfeit toys that are also toxic and dangerous to the health, ITV reports. According to the authorities some of the toys can contain up to 18 times above the legal limit for some chemicals. The toys are unofficial fake versions that try to lure customers by passing off as originals.

Amongst the face toys are dolls of Disney’s Maleficent and Frozen. Other cheap imports and counterfeit products such as dolls, swimming goggles, fancy dress make up and false nails were also seized or recalled because of unacceptable levels of the substance, ITV adds. The use of phthalates is tightly restricted from use in toys across Europe and toy manufacturers and products must contain no more than 0.1 per cent.

“It’s frightening to think that large quantities of phthalates are still being used in children’s toys. Phthalates are carcinogenic, mutagenic and can cause reproductive problems, but despite legislation to the contrary, significant amounts of these substances can be found in a wide range of toys and child care products”, says Robert Chantry-Price, of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute – the organization that found the counterfeit toys.

The Institute advises parents to be cautious and not fall for the first deal they see. They should also buy from reputable shops and should beware of products that are drastically cheaper. They should also take a careful look at the packaging. It should have all of the proper CE markings, information about the distributor and the manufacturer.

If you take a closer look at the photos above, which are of the seized fake toys, you will notice that the Disney logo is nowhere to be seen on them. This is a 100% giveaway that the toys are fake.

The National Trading Standards Safety at Ports and Borders Teams prevented 2,582,692 unsafe and non-compliant items from entering the market in 2014/15, a total value of £79,546,900.This included items such as phone chargers, toys, beauty products and mechanical equipment.