Urgent Halloween warning as kids’ costumes recalled over fears they could catch fire
AN URGENT warning has been issued to parents after kids’ Halloween costumes were found to pose serious chemical and potential fire risks
Two of the dangerous costumes were being sold on Amazon while a third was being sold by Party Delights.
The government informed the public of the three product recalls on its website which says it was notified by the Local Authority Trading Standards.
The risk posed by all three products is thought to be serious.
Amazon’s Maeau girl’s witch costume poses a serious risk of entrapment and the hat failed flammability tests.
While the Maeau baby girl’s pumpkin outfit poses a serious chemical risk and potential asphyxiation hazard.
The government website says both items which were originally produced in China have been removed from the online marketplace.
It’s not yet clear how much they cost.
The Part Delights Fiestas Guirca Viking Girl Costume poses a serious chemical risk.
The product which originates in Spain is believed to contain a chemical that may harm the health of children, possibly causing damage to the reproductive system.
RECALLED PRODUCTS
- Maeau girls’ witch costume – sold via Amazon. Brand: Maeau. Style: TS465-7. Standard identification numbers: B0CB4F9C4L, B0CBQ17TP9
- Maeau baby girl’s pumpkin outfit – sold via Amazon. Brand: Maeau. Standard identification numbers: B0B5LJ2SKB, B0B5LHGTTY
- Fiestas Guirca Viking Girl Costume – sold by Party Delight. Brand: Fiestas Guirca. Barcode: 8434077836545
Parents have been urged not to dress their children up in any of these costumes.
Amazon shoppers are urged to return their costumes to sellers for full refunds, while Party Delights is said to be contacting affected customers directly, and shoppers can return the costumes in stores.
Which? Also included the news in their newsletter warning people on Facebook.
They said: “Three children’s costumes from Amazon and Party Delights recalled.”
“If you own one of these products, stop using it immediately. Return to the retailer for a full refund. No receipt required.”
Facebook users were furious after learning the news.
One user said: “Ridiculous… in this day and age. Obviously not tested. Amazon and party delights, not good.”
Another said: “Why sell these in the first place if they failed tests?”
“I brought one off Amazon,” claimed a third.
What are product recalls?
Companies often issue product recalls if there’s an issue with a product that could be dangerous or inconvenient for the user.
But if you have to return a product that is faulty, you will usually be entitled to refund, repair or replacement, under the Consumer Rights Act.
Retailer’s websites often have product recall pages where they share details on items that need returning.
You can also check the government Office for Product Safety and Standards website for product safety alerts, reports and recalls.
If a product is food-based, the Food Standards Agency, which regulates the industry, may post on Twitter about a recall too
Your product recall rights
Product recalls are an important means of protecting consumers from dangerous goods.
As a general rule, if a recall involves a branded product, the manufacturer would usually have lead responsibility for the recall action.
But it’s often left up to supermarkets to notify customers when products could put them at risk.
If you are concerned about the safety of a product you own, always check the manufacturer’s website to see if a safety notice has been issued.
When it comes to appliances, rather than just food items, the onus is usually on you – the customer – to register the appliance with the manufacturer as if you don’t there is no way of contacting you to tell you about a fault.
If you become aware that an item you own has been recalled or has any safety notices issued against it, make sure you follow the instructions given to you by the manufacturer.
They should usually provide you with more information and a contact number on its safety notice.
In some cases, the manufacturer might ask you to return the item for a full refund or arrange for the faulty product to be collected.
You should not be charged for any recall work – such as a repair, replacement or collection of the recalled item.