A recent asbestos scare has consumers on high alert, especially with the holiday season approaching. Are imported products safe?
Parents and shoppers are being urged to exercise caution when purchasing imported goods, particularly children's toys, as recent recalls have exposed a disturbing trend. After asbestos was discovered in several brands of colored play sand, the recall has expanded to include the Rainbow Sand Art Toy and sand craft products, affecting around 800 units sold nationwide.
But here's the shocking part: Despite tremolite asbestos being found in some of the colored sands, it is illegal to import any product containing asbestos. So, why are these products slipping through the cracks?
Professor Alex Sims from the University of Auckland emphasizes that consumers should not blindly trust that the law is being followed. The issue with the contaminated sand is that it's not an obvious hazard, as Sims explains, "It's not a product that people would naturally suspect of containing asbestos." This highlights a broader concern: retailers and importers are responsible for product checks, but are they diligent enough?
The law is clear: there are numerous regulations governing children's toys, strictly prohibiting the presence of asbestos. However, the onus is on sellers and importers to ensure compliance. Professor Sims reveals that safety issues with products are not uncommon, but often go unnoticed by the public until a tragic incident occurs. A concerning pattern.
The Commerce Commission and other authorities could conduct spot checks, but with the vast number of products, this might be impractical. In the event of asbestos contamination, the Consumer Guarantees Act entitles consumers to a refund and compensation for testing and cleaning costs. However, Professor Sims doubts this will be a straightforward process.
Schools and individual buyers are also protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act. Sims points out the sad reality: "The laws exist, but they're not offering effective protection." With Christmas approaching, the advice is to opt for simpler, traditional toys like unpainted wooden items.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is working with retailers to trace the supply chain of the contaminated sand. They reiterate that retailers are responsible for selling safe products and importing asbestos-containing items is prohibited without a permit. Kmart, a major retailer, declined to comment on the issue.
The big question: How can consumers trust that imported products are safe? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Is it time for stricter enforcement or a complete overhaul of the product safety system?
