The campaign, which will be disseminated online through the official pages and social networks of the Ministry, aims to warn of the risks to the safety and health of children that involves acquiring low-quality or defective toys. "You could be playing roulette with the safety of children," warns the central video of the campaign.
"Be wary of very low prices or juicy offers if you don't know the establishment," recommends Nelson Castro, General Director of Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare. "Always make purchases at trusted stores."
Castro makes a special recommendation when it comes to buying toys for children under three. "Small pieces can get stuck in the child's throat so watch that stuffed animals or toys don't have pieces that can come off."
An electronic toy that does not comply with safety regulations can cause a discharge or burns, warns the video of the campaign. In finger paints, modeling clay or slime of poor quality there may be hazardous chemicals that can be absorbed by sucking or by contact.
"We want to warn of the dangers but also to send a message of tranquility. Following some basic recommendations, the child can play safely," said Castro.
Among these recommendations, pay attention to labeling, verify that it has CE marking and distrust labeling that is not in Spanish. Also, read the safety warnings and instructions, check that the manufacturer and importer are in the box and follow the age recommendations.
It is also necessary to check the PEGI code in video games because it indicates the age at which they are directed according to their content. If the toy is much cheaper than similar ones, compare the qualities.
"We must choose toys that encourage creativity and active participation of boys and girls," says the Director General of Consumer Affairs. "The game is a form of learning."
The Center for Research and Quality Control, under the Ministry of Health, Consumption and Social Welfare, has analyzed 658 suspicious toys this year, either due to irregularities in its labeling, product quality or contamination risk. Half of the toys analyzed complied with the regulations that regulate them.