BAN Toxics warns of chemicals in Halloween toys

MANILA, Philippines — A watchdog group has warned consumers about hazardous chemicals found in Halloween toys and costumes, urging manufacturers and importers to comply with Philippine safety standards to protect children from toxic exposure.

In a statement released to Bulacan reporters, Thony Dizon, advocacy and campaign officer of BAN Toxics, cautioned the public against allowing toxic chemicals to turn trick-or-treating into a health hazard.

During a recent market monitoring and purchasing activity, BAN Toxics subjected various Halloween toys and costumes to chemical screening using a Vanta C Series HH XRF Analyzer. The tests detected lead content of up to 1,130 parts per million and cadmium levels of up to 160 ppm.

The group also reported that all the children’s Halloween items it monitored and inspected failed to meet the product labeling standards mandated by Republic Act 10620, or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013.

“Manufacturers and importers of these toys should comply with existing Philippine safety standards on chemical content and product labeling, which are mandatory to protect children from toxic exposure,” Dizon said.

He noted that the use of lead in the production and sale of toys is strictly prohibited under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Administrative Order 2013-24, or the Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds.

Republic Act 10620 also requires toy manufacturers to comply with labeling requirements, including the License to Operate number issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), age grading, cautionary statements and warnings, instructional literature, the manufacturer’s complete name and address, and the item model or Stock Keeping Unit number.

BAN Toxics urged the FDA and local government units to conduct post-market surveillance and confiscate unlabeled and unnotified toys and child care articles, including children’s Halloween products.

“Preventing the spread of unsafe children’s products in the market should be the core action not just of a single agency but a concerted effort by all stakeholders, including local government units and the general public,” the group said.