THE Office of Fair Trading has identified 17 unsafe toys on the market during this year’s Operation Safe Christmas.

Fair Trading inspectors looked at more than 6,700 toy lines across 150 retailers and removed a number of toys, including plush toys, a puzzle and puzzle mat, aquatic toys, portable pools and a yo-yo water ball.

Toys removed from shelves include:

• Four plush toys containing a zipper which, when opened, exposes the inner stuffing considered to be a choking hazard;
• One plush toy bear which had eyes that became detached during testing and considered a choking hazard;
• Mathematical jigsaw puzzle which included a puzzle piece considered a choking hazard;
• EVA Foam puzzle mat which did not include the correct warning labelling;
• Seven aquatic toys which did not include the correct warning labelling;
• Two portable pools which did not include the correct warning labelling; and
• Monster Yo-Yo water ball, a banned product which poses a strangulation hazard.

Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said the rise of online shopping meant more people were buying presents from overseas sellers.

“It’s important for Queenslanders to know that not all items purchased from overseas are safe or have met Australian safety standards,” she said.

“This can be of particular concern when it comes to products that contain button batteries, contain small parts and high-powered magnets.”

She said that an easy way to remember how to stay safe this Christmas was to keep in mind the six S’s of toy safety:

• Size – the smaller the child, the bigger the toy should be. Parts smaller than a ping pong ball could choke a child under three years.
• Shape – be wary of products that could be easily swallowed and have sharp points or edges.
• Surface – small children will place objects in their mouths so make sure that all materials and finishes are non-toxic.
• Strings – any strings over 30cm long may pose a strangulation hazard for a small child and should be removed.
• Supervision – there is no substitute for close supervision by parents and carers.
• Secure battery compartments - make sure that battery covers are secure and small children cannot access them.