By Brian Campued
As parents are already scrambling to malls and markets to look for gifts for their kids ahead of Christmas celebrations, environmental group BAN Toxics reiterated the importance of inspecting the labels of toys before buying them.
In an interview on Rise and Shine Pilipinas on Tuesday, toxics campaigner Tony Dizon said the public needs to be educated on potential threats children may get from unsafe toys.
According to Dizon, Filipinos need to check if toy labels contain the manufacturer’s markings with complete name and local company address; cautionary statements, or warnings; instructional literature; safety standards; and a license to operate (LTO) number from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Aside from the abovementioned requirements, the Republic Act No. 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labelling Law, requires labels to include age grading as well as the item, model, or stock keeping unit (SKU) number.
“Kapag wala po nitong [mga] elements na ito, please, huwag na po nating bilhin or huwag na nating tangkilikin ‘yung laruan kahit pa gaano kamura—dahil hindi ito dumaan sa regulatory inspection at standards na mayroon dito sa ating bansa,” he said.
Aside from the labels, Dizon also noted the presence of toxic chemicals in toys, such as lead.
Under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) administrative order 2013-24, the use of lead in the production and sale of toys is strictly prohibited.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that lead can affect children’s brain development, which may result in reduced intelligence quotient, behavioral changes such as reduced attention span and increased antisocial behavior, as well as reduced educational attainment.
In an advisory issued Dec. 5, the Philippine FDA emphasized the importance of checking both safety and compliance information on toy products before purchase, as it would greatly help prevent accidents and protect kids.
The regulatory body also urged the public to report toys lacking the required information on their labels through the [email protected].
Consumers may also check if a toy is FDA-notified through the verification portal at https://verification.fda.gov.ph.
“Check and look for the product information to ensure our child’s health and safety during playtime,” the FDA said.
“Make sure to check toy labels for safe gifting.”
-av
