Amid the holiday shopping rush, Health Canada is urging consumers to make safe toy purchases for children, by paying particular attention to their safety warnings and labels.
Health Canada recommends that Canadians choose toys that are age-appropriate, according to the recommendations on the product's packaging. The warnings and safety messages should be taken seriously too, according to Health Canada's Sylvia Weihrer.
"Often a toy that is appropriate for an older child may have small pieces that present hazards to a younger child," she told CTV Ottawa.
Weihrer also advises that consumers should choose toys that clearly list the manufacturer’s name and the address.
"It says that a company is standing behind their product, so that if a consumer has questions or comments or has a safety concern they know who to contact. That's really important information to have."
As product issues can sometimes arise after they’ve already been sold, Health Canada has released a that lets users keep up to date on the latest toy and product recalls.
The free "Recalls and Safety Alerts" app is available for Apple, Android and BlackBerry devices and includes recall and advisory information on consumer products, health products, vehicles and food from Health Canada, Transport Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Mother Rachel Fabich told CTV Ottawa that when she's shopping for the kids in her family, including her 15-month-old son Charlie, she always takes a look at the warnings on the toy packaging.
"It's something that concerns us as a family for all of our children," Fabich said. "Especially at Christmas time when they're opening their toys and a lot of their toys have little pieces, so yes, we always keep a watchful eye on him."
After all the gifts are opened on Christmas morning, parents are reminded to get rid of all the bits of packaging and fasteners that often come with toys, as they may pose a choking hazard to young children.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Natalie Pierosara
