Scherer Recommends Parents Review Annual Toy Safety Guide Before Holiday Shopping

DECATUR, Ill. –As local families begin their holiday shopping, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is encouraging parents to avoid purchasing dangerous products for their children and to take appropriate precautions when giving fidget spinners and other toys with small pieces that can be choking hazards.

“The holiday season should be a time for families to enjoy being together without additional stress that can be brought on by potentially hazardous gifts,” said Scherer. “Before shopping for your children or grandchildren, it’s important to take a moment to learn about which products to watch out for.”

To help ensure a safe and happy holiday season, Scherer recommends that parents read through this year’s toy safety guide, released annually by the attorney general’s office. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the guide, which includes information about toys that have been recalled due to safety hazards as well as safety tips about toys and games that pose a choking hazard for young children. Since January, there have been 68 recalls of children’s products by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Scherer is advising parents to be cautious when buying gifts both in-store and from second-hand sellers and websites like eBay.

“Some products that haven’t been recalled can still lead to safety issues,” said Scherer. “Parents should beware of toys that have small, easy-to-swallow pieces or electronic components that can overheat and catch on fire, and toys that may contain high levels of lead. Also, with more people going online for their holiday shopping, consumers should watch out for previously recalled items because sellers might not be aware of their potential hazards.”

The attorney general’s 2017 Safe Shopping Guide can be found here. For more information about recalled products, residents can contact the Recall Hotline at 1-888-414-7678. Scherer represents the 96^th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.