ENVIRONMENTAL watchdog BAN Toxics has issued a warning against plastic toys resembling food being sold in Divisoria, after analysis revealed they may contain hazardous chemicals.
The group purchased the toys for ₱50 each and tested them using a handheld chemical analyzer. The results showed varying levels of arsenic, antimony, barium, bromine, lead, and mercury. The toys are also suspected to contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which has been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and harm to children’s health and development.
The toys, which resemble burgers, eggs, fruits, candies, and chocolates, are sold as learning aids but pose a risk of toxic exposure and choking, especially for children aged three and under.
“Toys that resemble food are dangerous because children can easily mistake them for real food,” said Thony Dizon of BAN Toxics. He called on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a consumer alert and urged local government units (LGUs) to conduct post-market surveillance. BAN Toxics reminded parents to be vigilant, especially with the holiday season approaching and toy sales increasing.
