A project undertaken by the Market Surveillance Directorate within the Technical Regulations Division of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA), has elevated and tested fifteen toys for the presence of dangerous chemicals such as phthalates. These included plastic dolls, plastic toy books, bath/squeezable toys, and inflatable toys. These tests were carried out in an accredited laboratory.
From the results obtained, it was shown that four out of the fifteen samples collected contained an exceeding level of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as per REACH Regulation no.1907/2006. DEHP may have an effect on fertility and on the unborn child.
This has led to the Directorate to take the necessary precautions in order to ensure the withdrawal of such products from the local market. The list of non-compliant toys can be found below:
– ‘Animal’ blue seals bath/squeezable toys with model number KR1505193 manufactured in China (refer to Figure 1);
– ‘My Lovely Baby Tutu Love’ plastic doll with unknown model number manufactured in China (refer to Figure 2);
– ‘Little Miss’ plastic doll with model number NO.160 A B manufactured in China (refer to Figure 3) and;
– ‘Elegance’ plastic doll with model number 65078 manufactured in Spain (refer to Figure 4).
Should you have any queries or for further information, please do not hesitate to contact MCCAA on 2395 2000 or on info@mccaa.org.mt.
Consumers who had bought any of the above-mentioned toys should immediately refrain from using them and return these toys to the outlet from where they were purchased.
This initiative was part of the Prosafe Joint Action ‘Chemicals in Plasticized Toys’. The aim of such initiatives is to enhance the cooperation between the Market Surveillance Authorities of the participating member states. See official press release here.
