European Union approves tougher toy safety standards

TOUGHER EU-wide safety standards for toys, including a ban on toxic chemicals and stricter standards to limit the risk of choking accidents, were approved by EU governments.

The tighter controls follow a series of safety scares in summer 2007 in which thousands of toys had to be withdrawn from sale across Europe because of potential risks to children, including excessive use of toxic lead paint and loose fittings which could be accidentally swallowed.

The new rules update toy safety laws introduced 20 years ago by banning the use of some allergenic fragrances, and setting new standards for the sale of toys which are marketed with food, and could pose a choking risk.