Many pacifiers packed with strangulation, choke hazards

Parents are warned to stay vigilant when their infants or toddlers use pacifier holders after the Consumer Council found that 40 percent of tested models failed to comply with safety standards.

The watchdog tested 15 models, which are used to prevent hygiene issues in case children drop the pacifier, and found six may pose a risk of choking and strangulation.

The products are valued from HK$26 to HK$329. Ten come with a garment fastener, and five are attached to a plush toy.

The council found that five models are small enough to pass through guides simulating the oral cavity, which means toddlers may accidentally swallow the product.

The European standard, however, calls for ventilation or air holes on the pacifier holder, which the tested models do not have.

Council chief executive Gilly Wong Fung-han said the ventilation holes could be a lifesaver if children's airways are obstructed.

"The holes will allow toddlers to breathe even though some parts are stuck in their mouth or throat, which buys time for parents to rush them to hospital," Wong said.

Tests also found the straps of the same five models are too long, which may pose strangulation hazards.

As per the European standard requirement, the length of the pacifier holders cannot be longer than 220 millimeters. However, Wong said the lengths of five models all exceed the limit with lengths of 223mm to 286mm.

The five models are Mushie's Pacifier Clip (Ari Stone), PiyoPiyo's Stylish Pacifier Chain, KuKu Duckbill @Jini Baby's Pacifier Chain(Pink), Snapkis's Two-in-One Pacifier and Teether Clip (Unicorn) and Hoppetta's Multiclip (Hedgehog).

Simba's Pacifier Holder (Orange), was found damaged on the 320th attempt when subjected to repeated opening and closing. The model also failed the tensile strength test.

The watchdog found incomplete labels, including two with English-only warnings, one with information in Japanese, and four without brand information.

Wong said the council has submitted the test results to customs, and she urged relevant manufacturers to improve product designs.

She recommended parents choose a larger pacifier holder and pay attention to the length of straps and ventilation holes.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com