Press Releases

Dangerous baby toys seized by Ealing Council (PR 1038)

Hundreds of potentially lethal children’s toys have been seized by Ealing Council’s Trading Standards team.

Officers swooped on around 20 shops and market stalls across the borough and confiscated the dangerous toy mobile phones.

These toys pose a number of serious risks such as:


The small batteries are easily accessible and children will put them in their mouths. It creates a choking hazard but if swallowed could lead to internal chemical burns. The ring tones on a sample of those seized also have the potential to damage the child’s hearing.

Sue Emment, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “This is a lot of cheap £1 tat that could ultimately cost a child’s life.

“The importers are clearly more interested in profit than children’s safety.”

The toys are being securely stored and will be used as evidence in any court action. Officers are continuing their investigations to trace the importers of these toys.

Cllr Emment added: “Parents must be warned about these toys and should contact us with any information that may help our ongoing investigations.

“Making communities safer is one of our three priorities and we will continue to carry out checks among businesses in Ealing to ensure only legitimate and safe products are on sale.”

Ealing Council’s other priorities are cleaner streets and value for money services.

The seizures took place on 17 August.

If you have information on the sales of these dangerous toys please contact Ealing Council’s trading standards team on (020) 8825 6086.

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