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Parents should make arrangements to return a toy xylophone (Music Series 12 Celesta Xylophone, Item No. 565), which failed to meet the prescribed safety standards for toys, a spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department said today (March 17)
"The department served a Recall Notice on an importer/retailer under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance to recall the toy in question," he said. The importer/retailer has two shops -- in Mong Kok and Wan Chai.
During a spot check by the department, the toy xylophone was identified as failing to meet the requirements of the prescribed safety standard for toys.
According to a safety test against the toy xylophone by the Government Laboratory, the soluble migrated element (lead and chromium) in toy material of the toy was found containing excessive lead content of 1 500 to 1 700 mg/kg and chromium content of 270 to 430 mg/kg. Such levels exceeded the safety standard of 250 mg/kg for both lead and chromium.
The toy was assessed to have a high risk of posing a poisoning hazard to young children. Customs investigations into this case are continuing.
People who have bought the toy are advised to contact the retailer concerned at 2390 3337 during office hours to make arrangements to return the product.
For reports about unsafe toys and children's products, consumers can write to the Consumer Protection and Prosecution Bureau, Customs and Excise Department at 11/F, North Point Government Offices, 333 Java Road, North Point or call the Customs 24-hour hotline at 2545 6182.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to manufacture, import or supply a toy unless the toy complies with one of the following sets of safety standards:
(a) International Voluntary Toy Safety Standard;
(b) European Standard EN71;
(c) ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) F963-96a.
The Ordinance carries a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a $500,000 fine and two years' imprisonment on subsequent conviction.
Reprinted from HKSAR Government web page:
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200603/17/P200603160176.htm