FDA testing toys for hazardous substances

Manila, Philippines – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assured the public yesterday that it has been randomly collecting and testing school supplies and toys for hazardous substances.

In an advisory, FDA director Dr. Suzette Lazo said the agency has been conducting “compliance monitoring of establishments and market surveillance of toy products regularly.”

“The FDA also purchases toys from toy stores and these toys are tested by the FDA,” she said. “The toys collected and analyzed in December 2010 have passed safety standards.”

Worldwide, efforts are underway to ensure that toys are safe from toxic substances like phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and lead which can cause a variety of complications like cancer and neurological and immune system disorders.

“Non-compliant toys are subject to recall and disposed of in accordance with the submitted disposal plan of the company subject to FDA approval,” she added.

But to ensure children’s safety, the FDA has advised parents to observe caution in buying toys.

“Check labels on the packaging and observe precautions appearing in the labels. Ensure that the child’s toy is suited for his/her age under adult supervision. Dispose plastic packaging accordingly,” the agency said.

For children below three years old, the FDA had asked parents not to buy toys that easily break into small pieces, with sharp points and edges and contain small detachable parts “which could become lodged in the throats.”   -–Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star)
with Rhodina Villanueva