A Garfield toy included in Hungry Jack’s children’s meals that contains button batteries has been recalled over safety concerns.
Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich issued an urgent public warning about the toy, which promotes The Garfield Movie, after it failed to meet button battery standards under Australian consumer law.
‘The toy does not comply with the mandatory information standard for products containing button batteries and does not include the required warning information about the dangers of button batteries,’ the public warning notice reads.
‘There is a risk of choking or serious injury if young children gain access to the button batteries and swallow or place them inside their body.
‘I have decided to issue this public warning because consumers may be unaware that the product contains button batteries.’
According to Consumer Affairs Victoria’s website, button batteries can burn through the oesophagus (swallowing tube) of children who ingest them in just two hours, causing internal burns, severe bleeding or death.
Customers are urged to exercise caution, particularly when children have access to the toy, and to keep the batteries away from children.
On its website, Hungry Jack’s said customers could return the toys, which it gave away at its restaurants between May 20 and 30 this year, to Hungry Jack’s restaurants for a replacement toy without a battery or for disposal.
‘Alternatively, please dispose of them safely,’ the website read.
For further information, customers can contact Hungry Jack’s customer service line on 1300 852 326 or hja.customerservice@hungryjacks.com.au.
Consumer Affairs Victoria will continue to investigate the matter.
Anyone who is unsure about the safety of a product can call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81.
Parents or carers who suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery should call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for urgent advice.
If a child is struggling to breathe, call triple-0 immediately.