The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has ordered the withdrawal from the local market of mothballs that look like sweets.

The Jolly Plus – Antitarmico Profumato mothballs could be easily mistaken for sweets by young children, the regulator said, adding the product posed a chemical and choking risk, causing partial or complete obstruction of the airway when swallowed, leading to suffocation or further complications when digested.

Notification of the banned product has been put on Rapex, the EU rapid information system, by other EU member states. Rapex was established to provide swift information exchange between EU countries and the European Commission on preventive and restrictive measures about products posing health and safety risks.

The Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority advised consumers not to use the product should they be in possession of it. It also warned economic operators to remove unsold products from their shelves. Any person found selling such products will be liable to legal proceedings.