A Rhodes trader has been ordered to pay $7,500 by Parramatta Local Court for supplying dangerous children’s toys that pose a serious choking hazard.

Wei Dong Gu, trading as Hot Dollar in Rhodes, pleaded guilty to four breaches of section 27(1) of the Fair Trading Act 1987 and one breach of clause 75 of the Fair Trading Regulation.

The dangerous toys included:

• The Lovely Snack Car
• Three piece Baby’s Toy’s – New Century, New Design toy Ducks
• Lifelike Swimming Action Lovely Carp Fish
• Modern Lovely Car.

“Rigorous testing revealed these toys presented a potentially fatal choking hazard due to small parts,” Ms Judge said. “There is no excuse for selling toys that put children’s lives at risk.

“If traders are caught they face fines of up to $110,000 for corporations and $22,000 for individuals.” 

Ms Gu was also caught selling a Laser LED Light Pointer that did not have a mandatory test report to confirm it was safe to sell.

“The Fair Trading Regulation 2007 restricts the supply of certain laser pointers that can cause serious eye injury,” Ms Judge said.

”A supplier must be able to produce a test report for all laser pointers they sell.

“I congratulate the Court for imposing a fine on Ms Gu and I hope that this sends a strong message to other suppliers who are thinking of breaking the law. Fair Trading is always out in the marketplace so you never know who they are going to visit next.”

More information on toy safety can be viewed at this website. 

Tips on buying toys for children:

• buy washable, non-breakable toys for babies
• read the labeling on new toys. ‘Not suitable for children aged under three’ means that there are small parts which could be swallowed; it is not an indication of skill level or intelligence
• check toys regularly for loose parts which may be choking dangers. Always read the label and any safety warnings. Anything small enough to fit into a 35mm film canister can choke a child under three years of age
• toy chests and boxes should have a removable lid. Anything big enough to crawl inside must have ventilation holes, including tents. Helmets and masks must also have ventilation holes
• check that there are no gaps or holes which could trap a child’s fingers
• be wary of toys that make loud noises as they can be harmful to hearing
• check for sharp edges or rough surfaces as they can cause cuts and splinters
• ensure that ride-on toys are appropriate to the age of the child and are stable
• check magnetic toys for loose magnets. If magnets are swallowed they may cause blockage of the digestive system resulting in serious injury.

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