Gilly Wong Fung-han (right), chief executive of the Consumer Council, and Kennch Chan Kin-nin, chairman of the publicity and community relations committee of the council, reveal the latest findings published on the council’s flagship magazine the Choice on March 14, 2024. (STEPHY ZHANG / CHINA DAILY)
Parents and baby-carers need to pay close attention when buying baby-soother holders, as Hong Kong’s consumer watchdog has found five on-market products that could pose “stranglehold” or choking risks, and one that could suffocate infants, because of poor quality problems.
The test results were announced by the Consumer Council on Thursday and published in the March issue of the council’s monthly Choice magazine.
The council tested 15 samples of soother-holder products bought from different retailers incorporating different designs and materials, and ranging in price from HK$26 ($3.32) to HK$329. As there are currently no safety requirements for soother holders in Hong Kong, the council tested the products in accordance with European safety standards.
During the test, five samples were found to lack ventilation holes, which may lead to an obstruction in babies’ airways if they accidently swallow part of the holder
A soother holder usually comprises a strap and clips. During the test, five samples were found to lack ventilation holes, which may lead to an obstruction in babies’ airways if they accidently swallow part of the holder.
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The same five samples each measure between 223 and 286mm under a 25-Newton tension force. All failed to meet the European standard, which requires that the length of holders not exceed 220mm under a 25-Newton tension force.
The council explained that the average neck circumference of infants under three years old is 240mm. If a soother holder is too long, it may become wrapped around a baby’s neck, posing a choking risk, the council added.
One of the other samples did not pass the durability test. Damage was found on the product after its clip part had been opened and closed 320 times in a row; the goal is for the clip part to be able to withstand being opened and closed 1,000 times. The same product also broke under a tension force of 90 Newtons, and therefore failed to meet relevant standards. The council found that small fragments broke off during the test, which could be swallowed by babies and cause suffocation.
The test also found that many of the samples did not provide sufficient information on their labels, including one that was written only in Japanese and two that provided warning information in English only.
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The relevant test results have been forwarded to the Customs and Excise Department for follow-up, said the watchdog.
Also in the latest issue of Choice, the council revealed its test results for anti-wrinkle eye creams, saying that six of the 15 samples tested contain free formaldehyde or fragrance allergens, neither of which were listed on the products’ labels.
The council reminded consumers to pay attention to the ingredients of products in addition to their beauty benefits and called on manufacturers to change product formulations.
Other tests carried out by the council include those on customer services for smartphones, wireless earphones and age-friendly banking services.
