CCPC stops sale of ‘dangerous’ amber teething beads

Retailers selling amber teething jewellery for babies have been told to withdraw them from sale, both in-store and online, by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

The consumer watchdog said the dangerous bead products are sold in Ireland as teething aids in the form of necklaces, bracelets and anklets, but warned that the jewellery poses serious risks to babies and small children, including the potential for choking or strangulation.

Distributors across Ireland have now been told to remove all amber teething jewellery from sale, both instore and online.

The CCPC said it is also working with other European product safety authorities to track down companies supplying these products to Ireland.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, CCPC Director of Communications Grainne Griffin said there is no scientific evidence to support the theory that amber beads help ease teething pain.

However there are a number of safety issues associated with them, she said.

“Anything for babies or for children under the age of three, there just can’t be any kind of strings or chords or anything like that. Because there’s always going to be that risk of strangulation that it will tighten around the baby’s neck. And similarly, there can’t ever be any small pieces, because a baby could inhale them or swallow them or choke.”

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She said there have been a number of international cases reporting problems with amber teething jewellery, including the death of a toddler in the US.

These products should simply not be for sale, she said, but they keep coming back on the market in Ireland.

Ms Griffin said there had been positive engagement with retailers and the Health Service Executive has also worked with the CCPC to raise awareness of the dangers associated with the jewellery.

She urged parents to be cautious and to report sales of the products if they see them.

Ms Griffin said while teething is a stressful time for parents and children, these products are not the solution; they are simply a risk.