Parents have been warned about hundreds of potentially toxic fake Frozen II dolls, which may have been sold to children in the UK.
The fakes were seized by Trading Standards Officers from Wellesbourne Market in Warwickshire before the coronavirus lockdown – but it’s unknown if they were sold anywhere else in the country.
The toys – which feature characters from the hit Disney films – have been found to contain deadly chemicals which could be a risk to children playing with them.
Tests on the counterfeit dolls found that they were made with phthalates – a banned chemical plastic softener, which has been linked to asthma, allergies and reproductive problems.
Alongside the fake Frozen II dolls, another toy known as the ‘Aagel Girls’ (a pack of four) has also been found to contain dangerous chemicals which are commonly used in vinyl flooring, toiletries and milk bottles.
What’s more, one of the seized dolls was found to have an electronic ‘voice box’ which included a battery secured inside with tape. This prompted concerns that its removable nature could be a choking hazard for small children.
Neither the fake Frozen or Aagel Girls merchandise had the name and address of a manufacturer or importer on the packaging – something which is legally required. As a result, this makes it difficult to find who made them.
It’s also caused a problem in identifying the scale of the issue and working out just how many children might be at risk.
Trading Standards have urged parents who own the dolls to stop their children playing with them and to report it to them immediately.
County councillor Andy Crump, with responsibility for community safety, said: ‘I’m delighted our Trading Standards officers are taking this action to protect consumers.’
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