Qld: Banned toy found in check of Christmas offerings

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2003
Qld: Banned toy found in check of Christmas offerings

A toy store owner could be fined up to $40,000 for trying to sell a toy that was banned
in Queensland six months ago because it can strangle children.

The toy, known as a Yo Yo Ball, was uncovered by the Office of Fair Trading in its
annual safety check of toys on sale for Christmas.

The Yo Yo Ball has a plastic cord that stretches from a few centimetres to more than a metre.

Office of Fair Trading product safety manager DAVE STRACHAN says while the toy's a
marvel of plastic technology, it can wrap around a child's neck like a tourniquet and
easily strangle them.

Commissioner for Fair Trading MATT MILLER says the retailer will be prosecuted.

Mr MILLER says more than 150 toy retailers from Cairns to the Queensland/NSW border
have been visited and more than 5,000 toys inspected.

Only six toys have been found to be unsafe.

AAP RTV jfs/jhm/rcg/rp

KEYWORD: TOYS (BRISBANE) WITH AUDIO

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