‘Dangerous’ baby item banned from ALL Irish stores over major health risks

“DANGEROUS” amber teething beads for babies have been banned from ALL Irish stores due to major health fears.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission said the beads in the form of necklaces, bracelets and anklets are a serious choking and strangulation risk to young children.

Product safety experts have approached multiple distributors across Ireland, requiring them to remove all amber teething jewellery from sale, both instore and online.

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

CCPC Director of Communications Grainne Griffin told RTE‘s Morning Ireland: “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.”

HSE National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health Dr Abigail Collins said there is “no convincing evidence” that the beads help with teething pain.

She added: “Not only is there a strangulation and choking risk, there is no convincing evidence to support claims that amber teething jewellery provides pain relief.

“It can be upsetting for parents to see babies and young children in discomfort from teething.

“Depending on their age and stage, you can use teething rings, sugar-free teething gel or cold water and healthy foods to chew on.

“It’s vital to never put any kind of cord, string or chain around a baby’s neck, and to keep small objects like beads away from babies and small children.”

The CCPC has said they will “take appropriate action against suppliers and retailers who sell or advertise them as teething aids”.

A spokesperson added: “If you are aware of a business selling amber jewellery as teething aids, please contact the CCPC Consumer Helpline on 01 402 5555 from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, or email ask@ccpc.ie.”

Meanwhile, another popular kids toy is also being recalled over safety fears.

The Cocomelon doll has been pulled from the shelves of stores across the country.

Safety bosses pulled the product from shelves after it was deemed a choking risk to children.

There are approximately 850 affected products in the Republic of Ireland

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission issued a recall notice for the affected children’s toy.

On the CCPC website it states: “The risk presented by this product is choking.

“The seam on the trousers of the doll can tear, leaving the fibrous stuffing material accessible.”

This stuffing from the doll could then be ingested by a small child, which is a major choking hazard.

Parents are now being urged to stop their children from playing with the doll immediately.

The CCPC said: “Customers should stop using the product immediately, keep it out of the reach of children and return it to the place of purchase for a refund.”