TOYS WITH SMALL MAGNETS TO CARRY WARNING

12.18.00pm GMT Wed 5th Mar 2008

Toys containing magnets look set to carry a warning label across the EU in the near future if a European Commission proposal is approved.

The proposals are part of the European Commission's toy safety stocktaking launched last autumn after several high profile product recalls. France and Germany have already introduced such warnings after several cases of children swallowing magnets have required emergency surgery, particularly when multiple magnets have been swallowed and attracted to each other.

Speaking today, local Euro-MP Liz Lynne welcomed the move, saying:

"This is a growing problem which needs to be tackled because with improving technology, components are getting smaller. This has meant that detachable parts such as magnets are more easily swallowed by children.

"These new warnings would better inform parents about which toys to buy for their children. If people are able to make better decisions in the shop, the awful injuries to children caused by the wrong toys can be avoided in the future."

The proposals must now be submitted to the European Parliament and then the EU's Commissioners for a decision in April. If approved, EU Member States would then have three months to ensure all toys containing magnets carry the warnings.