Gisborne wholesaler Allen Trading Company has been fined for selling toy cars, like the one pictured here, which were found to be a choke hazard to young children because the wheels could easily come off. Photo: Commerce Commission via NZME
Plunket is warning online and second-hand toys pose an increasing risk to children, and is urging parents to be on alert, particularly when shopping for Christmas gifts.
Each year around 1200 children aged three and under are injured by toys.
Earlier this year an importer was hit with a $140,000 fine after selling small toy cars that young children could choke on - hundreds of which remain unaccounted for despite a recall notice.
The seller imported the toys in a single order through a Chinese export agent in 2019.
Product safety standard regulations - designed to keep babies and toddlers safe - apply to anyone including those selling second-hand toys on internet platforms such as Trade Me and Facebook marketplace.
Clinical Lead nurse for Plunket is Keli Livingston Filipo.
