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Document 92004E000944
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0944/04 by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission. Components of small toys in food products.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0944/04 by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission. Components of small toys in food products.
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0944/04 by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission. Components of small toys in food products.
OB C 84E, 3.4.2004, p. 920–921
(ES, DA, DE, EL, EN, FR, IT, NL, PT, FI, SV)
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3.4.2004 |
EN |
Official Journal of the European Union |
CE 84/920 |
(2004/C 84 E/1017)
WRITTEN QUESTION E-0944/04
by Paulo Casaca (PSE) to the Commission
(26 March 2004)
Subject: Components of small toys in food products
Given the accident statistics involving child suffocation by toys made up of small components, and specifically those to be found in food products.
Given the fact that the recommended age limit for these products is extremely low (normally age three) and that according to paediatricians children between the age of three and five tend to put any objects within their reach in their mouths.
Given that products of this type have been banned in the USA for decades, due to the inherent danger they represent.
Given that most European manufacturers do not sell this type of product.
Would the Commission, as part of its revision of the Toys Directive, consider:
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imposing larger minimum size standard patterns for the component pieces of toys, so as to prevent further serious accidents involving small components (cylinders as a child safety pattern); |
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imposing a higher recommended age limit for these products? |
Answer given by Mr Liikanen on behalf of the Commission
(29 April 2004)
The Commission can inform the Honourable Member that the draft proposal for a revision of Council Directive 88/378/EEC of 3 May 1988 on the safety of toys (1) is for the moment being discussed, in the framework of the Expert Group on the safety of toys, with the Member States, the associations of consumers and industry as well as with the standardisation organisations. The issue of toys contained in foodstuffs is, therefore, open for discussion in this context.
In general, it must be remembered that it is important for the intellectual development of children above a certain age, that they are able to play with toys containing small parts. The possible need for requirements for toys contained in foodstuffs can, however, in principle be addressed by provisions on age limits. Toys should only be marketed in combination with food if they are suitable for the age group that is likely to be the user. The possibility of clarification as regards the appropriate clearly legible warnings of the choking hazards on these products is also being examined.
Furthermore, in the context of the standardisation process which involves the participation of Member States and stakeholders, certain relevant questions can be addressed, like the possible need to change the cylinder test for small parts.
An impact assessment study on the revision of the Toys Directive is being carried out for the moment to examine the appropriate changes needed to the current Toys Directive.