Critical Alert: Hazardous Labubu-Style Toy Poses Serious Safety Risk to Children

October 16, 2025

melbourne, Australia – Consumer protection authorities in Victoria have initiated the removal of numerous keychain toys from Miniso stores after the retailer failed to adequately warn consumers about the presence of hazardous button batteries within the products. The action follows inspections revealing a widespread lack of legally required safety labeling.

immediate Action Taken Against Miniso

Officers from Consumer Affairs Victoria were compelled to enter multiple Miniso locations and physically remove hundreds of non-compliant toys from shelves. Initial assurances from the retailer that problematic items would be withdrawn proved insufficient, prompting the escalated intervention. Subsequent inspections discovered that non-compliant products remained available for purchase, and additional items lacking proper warnings were identified.

The Hidden Danger of Button Batteries

Button batteries, small and commonly found in toys, key fobs, and various electronic devices, pose a severe risk to young children. if swallowed, these batteries can cause catastrophic internal burns within hours, as they react wiht bodily fluids and generate a caustic current. The potential for serious injury, including death, is considerable. According to the National Capital Poison Center, button battery ingestions have been increasing, with over 70,000 cases reported in the U.S. between 2010 and 2019.

Affected Products Identified

the recalled products include Disney-branded keychains featuring characters like Mickey Mouse and Stitch, plush character keychains resembling Labubu dolls, and a Harry Potter-themed night light. These items illuminate, necessitating the use of button batteries.A complete list of affected product lines is available here.

Understanding the Legal Requirements

While the sale of products containing button batteries is not prohibited, stringent labeling standards are in place to inform consumers about the potential hazards. These warnings are essential, ensuring that parents and caregivers are aware of the risks and can take appropriate precautions. Failing to provide adequate warnings constitutes a breach of consumer safety regulations.

Product Type	Brand/Theme	Hazard
Keychain	Disney (Mickey Mouse, Stitch)	Contains button batteries without proper warning labels.
Keychain	Labubu-style plush characters	Contains button batteries without proper warning labels.
Night Light	Harry Potter	contains button batteries without proper warning labels.

Did You Know? Approximately one child every hour in the United States seeks medical attention due to a button battery ingestion.

Pro Tip: Regularly check children’s toys and electronic devices for loose or accessible button batteries. Store spare batteries securely out of reach.

Protecting Children From Button Battery Hazards

The dangers associated with button battery ingestion extend beyond immediate recall notices. Parents and caregivers should proactively implement preventative measures to minimize the risk. This includes choosing toys without button batteries whenever possible, ensuring battery compartments are securely fastened, and educating children about the dangers of playing with batteries.

In the event of suspected battery ingestion, seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting. The National Poison Control Center can provide guidance at 1-800-222-1222.

Frequently Asked Questions About Button batteries

• What are button batteries?

  button batteries are small, round, metallic cell power sources commonly used in toys, watches, and hearing aids.

• Why are button batteries dangerous?

  If swallowed, button batteries can cause severe internal burns and tissue damage due to a chemical reaction with bodily fluids.

• What should I do if I suspect my child swallowed a button battery?

  Seek immediate medical attention. Do not induce vomiting.

• How can I prevent button battery ingestion?

  Choose toys without button batteries whenever possible, and ensure battery compartments are securely fastened.

• Are there specific symptoms of button battery ingestion?

  Symptoms can include drooling, coughing, vomiting, and chest pain. However, some children may exhibit no immediate symptoms.

• What is Consumer Affairs Victoria doing about this?

  Consumer Affairs Victoria is removing non-compliant toys from Miniso stores and enforcing safety labeling standards.

• Where can I find a list of affected products?

  A full list of recalled products is available on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website: Consumer Affairs Victoria.

Do you think retailers are doing enough to protect children from these hidden dangers? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

what are the specific toxic materials found in counterfeit Labubu toys and what health risks are associated with exposure to them?

What are Labubu Toys and Why the Concern?

Labubu toys,characterized by their distinctive macaron-shaped heads and frequently enough whimsical designs,have exploded in popularity,particularly as blind box toys. These collectible figures, originating with Hong Kong artist KAWS, and increasingly replicated in numerous styles, are marketed towards children and young adults. However, a growing number of reports indicate that certain Labubu-style toys – specifically, those from unverified or counterfeit sources – present notable safety hazards to children. This article details the risks, how to identify hazardous toys, and steps parents can take to protect their kids. We’ll cover toy safety, blind box risks, and counterfeit toy dangers.

Identified Hazards: A Breakdown of the Risks

The primary safety concerns surrounding these toys stem from substandard materials and manufacturing processes. Here’s a detailed look at the potential dangers:

* Choking Hazards: Many Labubu figures and their accessories contain small parts that easily detach, posing a severe choking risk for children under three years old. This is particularly concerning with lower-quality replicas.

* Toxic Materials: Autonomous testing has revealed that some counterfeit Labubu toys contain dangerously high levels of phthalates, lead, and other toxic chemicals. Exposure to these substances can lead to developmental problems, organ damage, and even cancer. Toxic toy alerts are becoming increasingly common.

* Sharp Edges & Points: Poorly manufactured toys often have sharp edges, rough surfaces, and protruding points that can cause cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds.

* Flammability: Some materials used in cheap Labubu replicas are highly flammable, increasing the risk of fire hazards.

* Battery Issues: Toys with electronic components may contain improperly secured or low-quality batteries, leading to leakage, overheating, or even explosions.

Identifying Counterfeit and Hazardous Labubu Toys

Distinguishing between authentic and dangerous Labubu-inspired toys can be challenging. Here’s what to look for:

* Source of Purchase: Buy only from authorized retailers and reputable sellers. Avoid purchasing from online marketplaces with unverified vendors or suspiciously low prices. Authentic Labubu toys are typically sold through established channels.

* Packaging: Examine the packaging carefully. Authentic products will have clear, high-quality printing, accurate branding, and proper safety certifications (like CE marking). Counterfeit packaging often features blurry images, misspellings, and missing information.

* Material Quality: authentic toys are made from durable, non-toxic materials. Counterfeits often feel flimsy, lightweight, and have a noticeable chemical odor.

* Price: If a deal seems too good to be true,it probably is. Labubu blind boxes and figures, especially limited editions, command a premium price.

* Certifications: Look for safety certifications like ASTM International standards (for US toys) or EN71 (for European toys). These certifications indicate the toy has been tested for safety.

Recent Incidents & Safety Recalls (October 2025 Update)

While a widespread official recall hasn’t been issued as of October 16, 2025, consumer advocacy groups are actively tracking incidents.

* September 2025 – New York: A child in New York City required emergency medical attention after ingesting a small part from a Labubu-style keychain.

* August 2025 – California: The California Department of Public Health issued a warning about elevated lead levels found in a batch of unlicensed Labubu replicas sold online.

* Ongoing Reports: Numerous parents have reported skin irritation and allergic reactions after their children played with poorly made Labubu toys.

These incidents highlight the urgent need for increased vigilance and stricter regulations regarding the sale of these toys.Toy safety regulations are crucial.

Practical Tips for Parents & Caregivers

Protecting your children requires proactive measures. Here’s a checklist:

1. Supervise Play: Always supervise young children while they are playing with Labubu toys or any small-part toys.
2. Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect toys for damage, loose parts, or signs of wear and tear.
3. Educate Children: Teach older children about the dangers of putting small parts in their mouths.
4. Report Concerns: If you suspect a toy is hazardous,report it to your local consumer protection agency and the manufacturer.
5. Choose Wisely: Prioritize safety over price. Invest in authentic toys from reputable sources.
6. Storage: Store Labubu collectibles out of reach of young children when not in use.

Resources for Further Information

* U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): https://www.cpsc.gov/

* European Commission – Safety Gate: [https://safetygateec[https://safetygateec