Parents warned over unsafe Halloween costumes as 25,000 toys pulled from Irish market
Parents and guardians are urged to stay vigilant when buying costumes and accessories for their children ahead of Halloween.Over 25,000 unsafe toys, including costumes and props, have been recalled or removed from the market since October last year for failing to meet safety standards.The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said its officers have inspected hundreds of products and engaged with toy sellers and businesses across the country."They also collaborate with European safety networks and Revenue Customs to identify and intercept unsafe products before they reach consumers, ensuring that dangerous toys, costumes and accessories are recalled, removed from shelves, or prevented from entering the Irish market altogether," a spokesperson said. "Where products fail to meet safety standards, CCPC officers use their statutory powers to ensure they are removed from shelves to protect consumers and prevent further risk."Parents are advised to follow the watchdog’s three-step safety check, which includes looking for the CE mark, checking for small parts, and avoiding costumes with long strings or cords.CCPC Director of Communications Gráinne Griffin said: “This Halloween, we are reminding parents and guardians to be extremely vigilant and check their child’s costumes and any other props or accessories by conducting our 3-step costume check.“Buying Halloween costumes and accessories from a reputable shop in Ireland gives you stronger consumer rights and makes it easier to get a refund if something goes wrong. Carefully check toys you buy in stores, online, from street traders, at pop-up stands and second-hand toys. Even trusted stores can experience product recalls, so it’s important to stay vigilant.“Parents can find more information on recalls on our website or social media channels. If parents have a safety concern about a Halloween costume or prop, you should bring it to the attention of the business and report it to the CCPC. Reports from consumers are vital; they alert us to unsafe products and drives our inspections and enforcement work.”
