1,500 ‘dangerous’ toys withdrawn from Bahrain markets

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Nearly 1,500 toys that pose a “danger” to children’s health have been taken off the market in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Following field survey in shops conducted by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, it was found out that the toys contain materials that are potentially harmful to children’s health and safety.

Shaikh Hamad bin Salman Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for Domestic and Foreign Trade at the Ministry, said that the Inspection and Metrology Department had received test reports for these products from the Health Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Inspection teams have discovered high concentrations of hazardous chemical elements, particularly antimony, in plastic toys that exceed the permissible limit.

Exposure to high levels of this substance for a long time may cause damage, including irritation and sensitivity to the eyes and the surrounding area, as well as irritation in the lungs. Shaikh Hamad revealed that the Inspection and Measurements Department carried out a field survey on shops that sell kid products.

Around 1,500 children’s makeup sets were withdrawn because they failed to meet the international health and safety guidelines. Accordingly, the department examined and tested these products to verify their level of safety, and to ensure that they did not contain any chronically toxic substances that would harm the children’s health.

The Ministry is stepping up its campaign and field surveys to examine toys being sold by shops in the Kingdom to ensure that they comply with the approved technical regulations and do not harm the users.

Shaikh Hamad said the shop owners were asked to adhere strictly to the regulations in importing toys by requesting the manufacturer to comply with the safety standards and requirements of the Gulf Technical Regulation for Children’s Toys.

Compliance with the regulations means toys are safe for children, he added. Shop owners were also reminded that installing the Gulf tracking code on toys and obtaining a Gulf model inspection certificate is among the most important requirements that prove the manufacturer’s commitment to the regulations, which guarantee the safety and security of toys imported into the local markets.

Shaikh Hamad made it clear that the Inspection and Measurements Department will communicate with the owners of the shops from which the products were withdrawn for the purpose of examination and testing.