The Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs has warned of the presence on the market of a toy that poses a chemical risk to children and is being withdrawn from sale in several European countries. The product in question is a slime sold online that is part of the European Union’s rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products.
According to the Notícias ao Minuto portal, the warning concerns a slime from the Buki brand, sold through digital platforms, in particular on Amazon. This is a set designed for sensory development, consisting of 20 viscous masses, plastic tools and protective mats.
Chemical risk identified
The alert originated from Safety Gatethe European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-food products. According to the same source, high levels of boron migration were detected in the toy, with a value measured up to 11419 mg/kg.
“Ingestion or contact with an excessive amount of boron can be harmful to children’s health by damaging their reproductive system. Therefore, the product does not comply with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive and European Standard EN 71-3”, says the warning note issued.
Product identified and scope
The toy is marketed under the name Sensory slimewith reference 2169, covering all lots. The associated barcode is 3 700802 105374.
According to the same source, the product does not meet the requirements established in the Toy Safety Directive or in the European standard EN 71-3, which defines limits for the migration of certain chemical elements in toys.
Measures adopted in other countries
In France, concrete measures have already been implemented in relation to this article. According to , the collection of the product from end users was determined, as well as the removal of the respective listing from online sales platforms.
Furthermore, it was decided to withdraw the product from the market, explains the website, within the scope of consumer protection mechanisms activated after notification in the European system.
Role of the national authority
In Portugal, the Consumer Directorate-General acts as the national contact point for this type of alert. The entity receives notifications regarding dangerous products and forwards them to the competent inspection authorities.
These authorities may adopt measures, such as withdrawal from the market, prohibition of commercialization or other actions considered appropriate, depending on the assessment of the identified risk.
A European surveillance system
The case is part of the regular functioning of the Safety Gatewhich allows the rapid sharing of information between Member States whenever a potentially dangerous product is identified. According to the same source, the objective is to prevent the continued circulation of articles that could pose a threat to the health or safety of consumers.
The alert regarding this slime was initially registered last year and remains active, falling within the procedures provided for products that do not comply with current European legislation.
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