Our inspectors have been examining showbags to ensure their contents are safe for visitors, ahead of the Melbourne Royal Show.
Showbags are an integral part of the show experience for many people, and every year we work with organisers to ensure the items they contain meet product safety laws.
This year, our inspectors examined 380 showbags and while the vast majority passed the test, 13 items failed to meet mandatory safety or information standards under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
Under the ACL, consumers are entitled to expect that every retailer, manufacturer and importer in Australia complies with product safety laws.
Several items found not to meet standards this year contained button batteries, which pose a serious health risk to children and other vulnerable people who may ingest them. They can cause internal burns, severe bleeding or death.
Items which didn’t meet standards related to button batteries included a light-up toy, bubble gun and watch that did not feature required safety warnings, while others had not been subject to mandatory safety tests.
Inspectors also discovered fake tattoos, make up and hand cream which did not include a list of ingredients. All cosmetics in Australia must include a full ingredients list with the product. This helps people who may have sensitive skin or allergies to know what is in a product before they use it.
The unsafe products were either removed or modified, where appropriate, to meet mandatory product safety laws.
Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said inspections were essential to ensure showbags are safe for everyone to enjoy.
'We want everyone attending the Melbourne Royal Show to feel confident knowing the showbags they choose are safe for themselves and their loved ones.'
'Our inspectors will be at the show throughout the 11-day event to ensure showbags and stalls continue to comply with product safety laws.’
If you’re unsure about the safety of a product you have bought or seen for sale, you can report it or call us on 1300 55 81 81.