Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich has issued an urgent public warning about fast food chain Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd (ACN: 008 747 073).
The franchise has been selling a kids’ meal toy containing button batteries, which pose a serious health risk to young children, without the required information warning to consumers about their dangers.
The toy, which promotes The Garfield Movie, fails to meet button battery standards under the Australian Consumer Law.
Rich issued the warning on the basis that people may be unaware that the product contains these batteries, and of the dangers they pose to young children.
Button batteries can burn through the oesophagus (swallowing tube) of children who ingest them in just two hours, causing internal burns, severe bleeding or death.
Rich urged consumers to exercise caution, particularly when children have access to the product, and keep the batteries away from children.
Consumer Affairs Victoria will continue to investigate this matter. Under the Australian Consumer Law, supplying products that do not meet mandatory safety or information standards attracts a maximum penalty of $50 million for a body corporate or $2.5 million for individuals.
Rich said Consumer Affairs Victoria would remain vigilant in protecting the community from the dangers of unsafe products.
‘Our inspectors will continue to visit businesses to ensure companies remove unsafe toys and products from sale.
‘Suppliers and retailers are responsible under the Australian Consumer Law for the products they sell. We will continue to pursue those who fail to meet their product safety obligations’, Rich said.
If you’re unsure about the safety of a product you have bought or seen for sale, call us on 1300 55 81 81.
If you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for urgent advice. If the child is struggling to breathe, call 000 immediately.