Last week, I came across some concerning news that I wanted to share with my readers, especially those who shop at City Beach or have young children at home.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has initiated legal proceedings against City Beach (operated by Fewstone Pty Ltd) for allegedly selling products with button batteries that don’t meet mandatory safety standards.
The Allegations
According to the ACCC, between June 2022 and October 2024, City Beach:
- Offered 70 different product lines containing non-compliant button batteries
- Supplied over 57,000 individual non-compliant products
- Continued selling these items despite receiving warnings from state consumer protection agencies
The products in question include colorful novelty items that naturally appeal to children:
- Toys
- Digital notepads
- Keyrings
- Lights
- Light-up Jibbitz (those cute little charms for Crocs shoes)
Why This Matters
As a parent myself, I find this particularly alarming. Button batteries pose a serious danger to young children if swallowed or inserted. In the worst cases, these incidents can result in death.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe emphasized this point: “Button batteries are incredibly dangerous for young children, and tragically in some cases have led to serious injuries or death when swallowed, inserted or ingested.”
The mandatory safety standards require:
- Secure battery compartments resistant to being opened by children
- Testing of product samples
- Clear safety warnings including advice to seek medical attention
What to Do If You Own These Products
City Beach is conducting a voluntary recall. If you’ve purchased any potentially affected items:
- Visit the ACCC Product Safety website to check if your product is recalled
- Return affected products to City Beach for a full refund
- Contact City Beach directly if you’re unsure
Button Battery Safety: What Parents Should Know
If you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery:
- Call 000 immediately if they have difficulty breathing
- Contact the Poisons Information Center at 13 11 26
- Don’t wait for symptoms to develop
- Don’t let the child eat or drink
- Don’t induce vomiting
My Thoughts
This case is particularly concerning because it appears City Beach had been warned previously by consumer protection agencies. It’s the first button battery case the ACCC has taken to Federal Court, showing how seriously they’re taking this issue.
As consumers, we place our trust in retailers to ensure the products they sell meet safety standards. When it comes to items that might end up in children’s hands, this responsibility is even more critical.
I’ll be keeping an eye on this case as it develops and will update this post with any significant news. In the meantime, if you have young children at home, please check any novelty items from City Beach that might contain button batteries.
Have you encountered any of these recalled products? Let me know in the comments.
This post is based on information from the ACCC press release dated April 2, 2025. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the ACCC’s website.
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