BTHA website warns parents about toy safety

The British Toy and Hobby Association (BTHA) has launched an online toy safety guide for parents. The move comes after the third toy recall from US toy giant Mattel.

BTHA says it is a “much-needed” information portal for parents and carers who are concerned about toy safety. It offers guidance on buying toys, avoiding potentially dangerous products and maintaining a secure playing environment for children.

The factsheet, which can be accessed at www.btha.co.uk/parents_page, informs parents to look for toy safety marks, which in the UK are the Lion mark and the CE mark.

The site also includes links to the websites of toy manufacturers who have
recalled toys, which will be updated regularly.

The BTHA is also spearheading a Toy Summit for members of the toy industry to discuss quality control processes, which will take place in central London on September 26.

BTHA members are responsible for supplying 95% of all toys sold in the UK.
Earlier this week Mattel launched a print advertising campaign to reassure UK consumers that its toy are safe. The move marked a U-turn after having previously stated that such a campaign was unnecessary (MW August 23).