Hygienists warn against perfumes or toys without a seller and manufacturer label

Prague hygienists warn against perfumes or toys for which the manufacturer and seller are not clearly marked and do not have a CE mark. They may be fakes or products that may endanger health due to their composition. When buying online, they recommend using verified e-shops and checking their reviews based on their experience in inspection activities. They stated this in a press release on the website of the Hygiene Station of the Capital City of Prague (HS HMP).

“Toys are among the objects that are in close contact with children, and children can also put them in their mouths. If the toy is bought from an irresponsible trader or manufacturer, there is a risk that it may contain invisible harmful substances, substances capable of being released into the human body.” stated the director of HS HMP Zdeňka Shumová.

Hygienists check suspicious products, but according to her, the consumer is crucial. “Despite all our efforts, we can never rule out that a defective toy will reach the market. The level of riskiness of consumer behavior plays a big role here,” she added. He therefore advises not to buy toys without the marking of the company that put them on the market and without the mandatory CE mark. This confirms compliance with the rules for sales in the EU.

When buying from an unknown e-shop, it is advisable to read reviews, check the identity of the operator in the commercial and trade register, including how long he has been in business, where he is based and what his business is. It is also advisable to carefully read the terms and conditions and to discuss doubts preferably by telephone.

Hygienists also often draw attention to imitations, fakes or low-quality cosmetic or perfume products, which sometimes also contain unauthorized or inappropriate substances. “After unpacking the gift and trying to claim it, the customer usually finds out that the store is no longer contactable, or even canceled. Due to the scope of the operators of such e-shops abroad, outside the EU, and the lack of a sales representative in the Czech Republic, enforcement of the law in such cases is almost impossible,” explained Shum.

According to hygienists, the risk is a composition that does not correspond to the information on the package, including unmarked allergens or harmful substances such as phthalates, heavy metals or so-called primary aromatic amines, which are used in the production of plastics, medicines, paints and explosives. Alternatively, the product may be contaminated, for example, microbiologically.