Cords and drawstrings 'pose risk to children'

During regular inspections carried out by its technical regulations division, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority came across a number of carnival costumes intended for the use of children under 7 years of age, that contained drawstrings and/or cords around the neck. The Authority has ordered the removal of these laces from the said garments.

The Authority would like to advise consumers to ensure that clothes intended for children under 7 years of age, including carnival costumes in which hoods and similar attachments are very often present, should have no such cords and drawstrings around the neck.

“These laces may be the cause of strangulation of the child if the hood becomes entrapped to a solid object, such as playground equipment, and the child is left dangling by the hood.”

“Moreover, clothes, including carnival costumes, intended for use by children older than 7 years of age, should not have cords and drawstrings longer than 75 mm on each side around the neck.”

The Authority has advised consumers not to allow their children to wear clothes that do not comply with the above.

Furthermore the Authority also advised economic operators to ensure that clothes, including carnival costumes, which are intended to be worn by children up to 7 years of age, do not have such drawstrings or cords or laces.

“Economic operators should also ensure that clothes for older children should not have long cords and drawstrings around the neck. Any economic operator found placing these products on the market will be liable to action to ensure the safety and health of consumers, children in this case,” the authority said.

Consumers were asked to contact the Authority by phoning 23952000 or sending an email on [email protected] if they have any questions.