IN time for National Children’s Month, safe toys for kids advocate urges local government officials to conduct on-site inspections over the selling of cheap “bargain” toys in the market to ensure the health and safety of children.
The group has photo-documented various vendors selling children’s toys marketed as “low price,” also known as bargain items. These toys are being sold in bundles of 3 pcs for P100 and 4 pcs for P100, 35 and 50 pesos each.
However, most of the toys have inadequate labeling information, which violates the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Law in the country.
RA 10620 mandates toy manufacturers to comply with labeling information, such as the license to operate (LTO) number, age grading, cautionary statements/warnings, instructional literature, manufacturer’s marking, and item, model, stock-keeping unit (SKU) number.
“We are dismayed that most of the toys being sold as ‘low price’ or ‘bargain’ lack the necessary safety labeling requirements. Parents should ensure the health and safety of the children, even with the cheapest prices,” said Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics.
“With the holiday season nearing, we call the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry to initiate market monitoring to ensure the quality of holiday products, including toys, and the safety of the consuming public,” he added. (BAN Toxics FB page)