Published
Consumer Affairs Director Dr Claire Noone has supported the decision of MacLaren prams being recalled in Australia, after it was reported they pose a risk of fingertip amputation to young children.
Last week MacLaren USA voluntarily recalled its prams in the United States, when it was reported more than 10 children had their fingers severed.
“MacLaren products are supplied in Australia by CNP Brands, who stated in a safety alert that while the prams have been tested to stringent quality levels and meet international standards they will be voluntarily recalling the prams,” Dr Noone said.
MacLaren reported in some instances, children were placing their finger in the stroller's elbow hinge mechanism as the stroller is being unfolded, resulting in amputations.
“Consumer Affairs Victoria and CNP Brands have not reported any complaints,” she said.
CNP Brands Childcare Nursery Products of Melbourne is the Australian licensed distributor who supplies products to Toys R Us and many independent retailers.
So far, the United States have recalled one million MacLaren single and double umbrella strollers and Australia has followed with a recall of at least 80,000.
MacLaren strollers carry the Consumer Affairs Victoria mandatory label of ‘Make sure children are clear of any moving parts if you adjust the prams/stroller, otherwise they may be injured’.
“Reports from the United States have indicted the circumstances of the incidents occurred when the instructions and warnings were not properly followed,” Dr Noone said.
“To keep children safe, it’s vital consumers read instructions vigilantly when operating child nursery equipment.
“Consumer Affairs Victoria’s key objective is to protect children from potentially harmful products and we encourage consumers to read instructions and stay up to date with standards and ban orders.
Consumer Affairs Victoria provides consumers with the resources they need stay up to date on product safety, while keeping the industry informed of their responsibilities under the current laws and regulations.
Additionally, Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors regularly check importers and stores for unsafe products to ensure that goods posing safety hazards are quickly identified and removed.
“Over the last financial year, Consumer Affairs Victoria inspectors checked nearly 500 traders and seized more than 22,000 dangerous products from wholesalers, distributors, manufacturers and retailers across Victoria,” Dr Noone said.
To report unsafe toys or nursery products; call the Toy and Nursery Safety Line on 1300 36 48 94.
The Keeping Baby Safe Guide is available on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
To stay up to date on the latest product recall information, visit Product Safety Recalls Australia.
Contact details
General inquiries
Toy and Nursery Safety Line: 1300 36 48 94
Consumer Affairs Helpline: 1300 55 81 81
Website: www.consumer.vic.gov.au
