Buy Safe Toys this Holiday – DOH

The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas encouraged consumers to keep safety in mind when choosing toys for young children this holiday season.

In a press briefing, Delia Tarrosa, Chief of the Regulatory and Licensing Enforcement Division of DOH-6, said that a good toy is suitable to the child’s physical capabilities and mental and social development.

“It is well-constructed, durable, and safe for the child’s age aside from being appealing and interesting”, she said.

She said that buyers should check the labels on the packaging and observe precaution appearing on the labels to ensure the safety of the child.

“The label should give information about the toy’s components, ingredients, attributes, and directions for use, as well as safety warnings,” she stressed.

She said parents should ensure that the child will play with a toy suited for his/her age under adult supervision.

She also said that for children under age three, the following toys should not be bought: (1) balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less so as to prevent choking; (2) toys that easily breaks into small parts; (3) toys containing small detachable parts or pieces that could become lodged in the throat; (4) those with sharp points and edges; (5) those with electrical parts; (6) those with parts that could pinch or entrap fingers, toes or hair, and; (7) those with parts put together by straight pins, sharp wires or nails that are exposed and easily detached.

Republic Act 10620 otherwise known as “Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act of 2013” requires that all toys and games manufactured here or abroad that are imported, distributed, and sold in the Philippines contain cautionary and safety labels to protect children against potential hazards to health. (LTP/PIA-Iloilo)