Puzzle mats deemed unsafe for children
The sale and use of two types of puzzle mats distributed by AN Shun Enterprise Co. Ltd has been banned by the Malta Standards Authority.
The Wondermat Interlocking foam puzzles and mats and the Mini Combine Mats were deemed unsafe for toddlers as they contained very small parts which could cause choking or suffocation and could lead to death.
The Malta Standards Authority advised economic operators to refrain from placing on the market, selling or giving for free these puzzle mats to consumers. Economic operators found in breach of this advice would be liable to legal action.
Consumers were advised to refrain from using these products and to return them to the retailer from where they were purchased.
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11 Comments
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Tanja Cilia
Jul 31st 2010, 11:37
Most of us realised this when we were given the mats for Kindergarten classes almost thirty years ago.
The solution was to put some epoxy glue around the tiny bits and fix them into place, so the mats would not have holes in them; this was especially important with the number, letter, or picture puzzle ones that contained a lot of tiles per unit. Lateral thinking and common sense do help, you know...
However, the foam seems to attract mould, so the puzzles have to be separated into individual tiles and cleaned, every so often.
ms ghoare
Jul 29th 2010, 18:09
TO ALL , these mats if are MADE IN CHINA , IT IS NOT JUST THE SMALL PARTS ONLY THAT HAVE THE PROBLEMS ,IT IS THE CHEMICALS THAT THEY ARE MADE FROM ,alot of CHINESE PRODUCTS have metal added to the product which can cause IRRITATION TO SKIN AND CAN CAUSE SICKNESS ,I AM TALKING THROUGH EXPERIANCE WHICH I SUFFERED WHEN I LIVED ABROAD ,
PLEASE ACT SAFE and dont let the cheap price attract.
J. Borg
Jul 29th 2010, 15:17
I had bought similar mats for my kids last century.....somewhat retarded action by MSA!
Nonetheless I had just took of the small parts and the kids enjoyed the mats just the same....no rocket science.
j brownie
Jul 29th 2010, 14:57
I bought a similar item from another supplier other than the one mentioned here . Can i return it ?
victor pulis
Jul 29th 2010, 14:33
Yet another Chinese product. You get what you pay for I suppose
S. Calleja
Jul 29th 2010, 15:53
Most of your computer parts are made in China, as are most parts of your appliances and some parts of your car.
m.farrugia
Jul 29th 2010, 13:44
@Jay Galea, Did you inform the Malta Standard authority about your problem, if not why are you in a quite a polite way critising the MSA. As soon as they had a report from someone else they checked and informed the public. Thanks MSA.
Victor Ross
Jul 29th 2010, 13:21
Jay Galea. Seeing that you are so smart what kept you from informing us mortals about your discovery? A little help from a friend hux?
Jay Galea
Jul 30th 2010, 08:42
I thought that people might have a bit of common sense and won't buy this mats for toddlers who may choke in them!! Anyone who has got older kids who are old enough not to put stuff in their mouths and can use these mats so that they can play on the floor in Winter without feeling cold, can do so!
Jay Galea
Jul 29th 2010, 12:59
About time!!! I once went to buy some for my kid and I immediately realised they were unsafe!
G. Grech
Jul 29th 2010, 13:24
I had bought a similar alphabetic mat around 1 year ago. I just removed the small parts. No big fuss.