Halloween mask and vampire teeth banned after safety tests fail

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 10:58 · Archive

A moulded alien mask and plastic vampire teeth have been stopped from reaching UK shops after failing Hampshire Trading Standards safety tests.

An alien mask and pack of plastic vampire teeth have been stopped from reaching UK shops after failing safety tests. The items were identified at an inland clearance facility and tested by Hampshire County Council's Scientific Services laboratory after being flagged by Hampshire Trading Standards.

The moulded alien mask posed a suffocation risk due to insufficient ventilation. The vampire teeth presented a choking hazard from small parts designed to be placed in the mouth. Both products were imported into the UK.

Kirsty North, deputy leader of Hampshire County Council and executive member for universal services, said: 'As excitement builds for spooky costumes and trick-or-treating, it's important to keep safety in mind, particularly when buying products for children.' She added that the discovery showed why consumers should stay alert, look for the UKCA marking where required, and buy from trusted retailers.

The products have been recorded on the UK Government's Product Safety Database and will be listed in safety notices to alert consumers and enforcement authorities. Hampshire Trading Standards has issued guidance to help families enjoy a safe Halloween, advising parents to check that children's costumes, face paints, wigs and masks carry a UKCA or CE mark, confirming they meet safety standards.

How it is being reported

• Unsafe Halloween mask and vampire teeth stopped before reaching UK shopsUnsafe Halloween products have been intercepted before reaching UK shoppers.Romsey Advertiser · 15 Oct, 10:34
• Unsafe Halloween mask and vampire teeth stopped before reaching UK shopsUnsafe Halloween products have been intercepted before reaching UK shoppers.Basingstoke Gazette · 15 Oct, 10:31
• Unsafe Halloween mask and vampire teeth stopped before reaching UK shopsUnsafe Halloween products have been intercepted before reaching UK shoppers.Andover Advertiser · 15 Oct, 10:25
• Halloween alien mask and vampire teeth banned from going on sale after being found to be dangerous in Hampshire trading standards testsThe items were tested before hitting the shelves - and so won’t go on saleThe News, Portsmouth · 14 Oct, 11:07

In this story: Hampshire Trading Standards · Hampshire County Council · Kirsty North · Hampshire · UK

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