Jones Recommends Parents Review Annual Toy Safety Guide before Holiday Shopping

CALUMET CITY, Ill. –As local families begin their holiday shopping, state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, 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.

“I want the families of my community to enjoy spending time together rather than dealing with the stress that may arise from potentially hazardous gifts,” Jones said. “Accidents can be avoided by learning about which products nay be dangerous for children.”

To help ensure a safe and happy holiday season, Jones recommends that parents read through this year’s toy safety guide, released annually by the state’s 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 Jones is advising parents to be cautious when buying gifts both in-store and from second-hand sellers and websites like eBay.

“The yearly toy safety guide is a great tool to educate families about potential hazards posed by toys,” Jones said. “However, it is important to remember that toys that haven’t been recalled may still pose risks, such as having small, easy to swallow pieces, lead or the potential to catch fire. I encourage residents to exercise caution when purchasing toys and to make sure they supervise children when they use new toys.”

The 2017 Safe Shopping Guide can be found at www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov. For more information about recalled products, residents can also contact the Recall Hotline at 1-888-414-7678.