The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has removed 'sky lanterns' from the market, saying they pose 'a serious risk' to consumers.

The sale and use of such products was banned in Malta earlier this year.

Sky lanterns - sometimes also referred to as Chinese Lanterns or Wish Lanterns - are frequently used during festivities, fairs and celebrations, the Authority said. They are operated by igniting a liquid or a small solid fuel slab which is located and held in place at the lower extremities of a fabric or paper dome-shaped bag which inflates by the action of hot gases being released from the burning fuel.

Once inflated, the lanterns are released into the atmosphere where they float haphazardly out of control of the human user. Such mode of operation may cause the lantern to glide onto flammable or highly combustible materials such as houses, fields and cars, thus posing an obvious risk to third party individuals, the environment and property, the Authority said.

These products have also caused problems related to false alarms for coastguards and aviation.

The Authority warned businesses not to sell such lanterns and consumers not to use them.