FDA warns public vs hazardous toys for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has "strongly" advised consumers to purchase toys only in legitimate shops in time for the Christmas season.

The Philippine News Agency reported that the FDA made the advisory so the public may avoid giving toys made of toxic chemicals to children for the holidays.

The report said FDA Field Food and Drug Regulation Officers have been going around the National Capital Region to collect samples and analyze the level of heavy metals using an x-ray analyzer.

The FDA issued license to operate to around 135 toy manufacturers, importers and distributors to ensure that toys do not contain hazardous materials.

The FDA said close adult supervision over children is still the best safety measure against toxic toys.

“Parents should also keep in mind that in case of toy accidents or injuries among children at homes, they also share some responsibilities,” the PNA report quoted the FDA as saying.

Last Sept. 6, President Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013,  requiring all toys to bear warning and precautionary labels. - Louis Bacani

Offenders will be fined P500,000 and their products will be seized, and establishments closed.

If the offender is a manufacturer, importer or distributor of unregistered toy products, then the maximum fine imposable is P5 million and imprisonment of not more than 10 years. -Louis Bacani