Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys
The Department of Health's Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) issued Advisory No. 014-12 on November 13, 2012, warning parents about the potential health hazards of plastic toys for children. The advisory highlights concerns regarding the leaching of heavy metals from toys, particularly when they are sucked or chewed by young children. Parents are urged to check toy labels for safety information, ensure toys are age-appropriate, and dispose of plastic packaging properly. Specific guidelines are provided for toys unsuitable for children under three years old, including items that pose choking hazards or contain small detachable parts. The FDA also conducts regular monitoring and testing of toys for compliance and safety, with non-compliant products subject to recall.
Quick Answers
- What is Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys about?
- The Department of Health's Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA) issued Advisory No. 014-12 on November 13, 2012, warning parents about the potential health hazards of plastic toys for children. The advisory highlights concerns regarding the leaching of heavy metals from toys, particularly when they are sucked or chewed by young children. Parents are urged to check toy labels for safety information, ensure toys are age-appropriate, and dispose of plastic packaging properly. Specific guidelines are provided for toys unsuitable for children under three years old, including items that pose choking hazards or contain small detachable parts. The FDA also conducts regular monitoring and testing of toys for compliance and safety, with non-compliant products subject to recall.
- What type of law is DOH-FDA Advisory No. 014-12?
- Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys (DOH-FDA Advisory No. 014-12) is a Philippine Other Rules and Procedures enacted by the Congress of the Philippines.
- When was Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys enacted?
- Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys (DOH-FDA Advisory No. 014-12) was enacted on Nov 13, 2012.
- What is the citation for Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys?
- Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys, DOH-FDA Advisory No. 014-12, Nov 13, 2012 (Philippines)
Law Information
- Reference Number
- DOH-FDA Advisory No. 014-12
- Date Enacted
- Category
- Other Rules and Procedures
- Subcategory
- Consumers
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
November 13, 2012
DOH-FDA ADVISORY NO. 014-12
| SUBJECT | : | Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys |
In the interest of public health and safety, the Department of Health through the Food and Drug Administration hereby warns the general public especially the parents against buying plastic toys as this may be hazardous to health of their children.
This warning is issued in view of the concerns raised regarding children's toys, with heavy metals as these have been found to leach out from the toys when they are sucked or chewed as commonly practiced by children especially the infants.
To ensure safety, consumers/parents are enjoined to observe the following:
• Check the labels on the packaging especially the chemical ingredients used in the manufacture of the toys/precautions appearing on the labels;
• Ensure that the child's toys are suited for his/her age under adult supervision;
• Dispose plastic packaging accordingly.
• For children under age of three (3), do not buy the following:
1. Balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less so as to prevent choking; HCATEa
2. Toys that easily breaks into small parts or pieces (glass or brittle plastics);
3. Toys containing small detachable parts or pieces which could become lodged in the throat;
4. Toys with sharp points and edges;
5. Toys with electrical parts that could pinch or entrap fingers, toes, or hair; and
6. Toys with parts put together by straight pins, sharp wires or nails that are exposed and easily detached.
The public is hereby assured that the FDA conducts compliance monitoring of establishments and market surveillance of toy products regularly and that samples collected are tested for the presence of heavy metals. Non-compliant toys are subject to recall and disposal in accordance with the submitted disposal plan of the company involved, subject to approval of the FDA.
(SGD.) KENNETH Y. HARTIGAN-GO, MDActing Director IV Food and Drug Administration
Cite This Law
Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys, DOH-FDA Advisory No. 014-12, Nov 13, 2012 (Philippines)
Warning on the Harms and Hazards of Plastic Toys, DOH-FDA Advisory No. 014-12 (Phil. 2012)
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