In response to media enquiries relating to beads toys, a spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department today (November 9) gave the following update.
"Hong Kong Customs has sent toy samples obtained from the local market to Government Laboratory (GL) for testing.
The concerned toy samples were found to contain 1,4-butanediol. Customs is working closely with GL and Department of Health (DH) to ascertain whether there is contravention against the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance.
The Department of Health advised that toys containing 1,4-butanediol posed significant health risk to children as ingestion of the chemical could lead to serious adverse effects such as breathing problems, mental confusion, loss of consciousness, coma and even death. Children should be prevented from playing with toys that are found to contain the chemical.
Hong Kong Customs welcomes retailers' move of voluntarily recalling products that are suspected to have safety concerns.
Customs has conducted spot checks on retail outlets, including department stores, chain stores and toy shops. So far, the product concerned has not been found in the market.
In case members of the public come across suspected unsafe toys, they can call the 24-hour Customs hotline 2545 6182 to report.
Meanwhile, parents are advised to seek immediate medical attention if their children show any adverse symptoms.
Under the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys and children's products into Hong Kong for local consumption. The maximum penalty is a fine of $100,000 and an imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on subsequent conviction."
Ends/Friday, November 9, 2007