A project undertaken by the Market Surveillance Directorate within the Technical Regulations Division of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority has tested 15 toys for the presence of dangerous chemicals such as phthalates. These included plastic dolls, plastic toy books, bath/squeezable toys and inflatable toys. These tests were carried out in an accredited laboratory.

Figure 3: ‘Little Miss’ plastic doll containing exceeding levels of DEHP in the head, left arm and beige elastic hair band. Right: Figure 4: ‘Elegance’ plastic doll containing exceeding levels of DEHP in the beige plastic right shoe only.

From the results obtained, it transpired that four out of the 15 samples collected contained an exceeding level of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as per Reach Regulation No. 1907/2006. DEHP may have an effect on fertility and on the unborn child.

This has led to the directorate to taking the necessary precautions to ensure the withdrawal of such products from the local market. The list of non-compliant toys includes:

• ‘Animal’ blue seals bath/squeezable toys with model number KR1505193 manufactured in China (see figure 1);

• ‘My Lovely Baby Tutu Love’ plastic doll with unknown model number manufactured in China (see figure 2);

• ‘Little Miss’ plastic doll with model number NO.160 A B manufactured in China (see figure 3) and;

• Beige plastic right shoe of the ‘Elegance’ plastic doll with model number 65078 manufactured in Spain (see figure 4).

Consumers who had bought any of the above-mentioned toys should immediately refrain from using them and return them to the outlet where they were purchased from.

For any queries or more information call the MCCAA on 2395 2000 or e-mail info@mccaa.org.mt.

This initiative was part of the Prosafe Joint Action ‘Chemicals in Plasticised Toys’. The aim of such initiatives is to enhance the cooperation between the Market Surveillance Authorities of the participating Member States.