Urgent warning given to Kildare parents ahead of Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is issuing an important warning to parents and carers in Kildare to prioritise safety by conducting a 3-Step Costume Check before children dress up. 

3-Step Costume Check 1. CE MARK:

Always look for the CE mark on children’s costumes. This symbol means that the product meets EU safety standards. It should be clearly visible on the packaging or the costume itself.  

2. SMALL PARTS:

Check items for loose, small parts, particularly batteries. Items smaller than a €2 coin could be choking hazards, and button batteries (small, flat, circular batteries, sometimes found in accessories, lights and inflatables) are especially dangerous.

Check your children’s accessories to see if the battery pack is easily opened and if so, stop using the product immediately. Always keep batteries out of reach of children. 

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3. STRINGS AND CORDS:

Costumes with strings or cords on the head, neck or chest area carry a risk of strangulation and should not be used unless they are fastened with, for example, velcro or a snap fastener and can easily break away.

Always check capes, hats or bowties that often come with children’s costumes and never use items with fixed cords or strings in the head, neck or chest area.   

Always keep children away from bonfires, candles and open flames. 

Gráinne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications said: 

“Dressing up is the best part about Halloween for many families, and a few simple checks can help keep it fun and safe. Before your child dresses up this year, do the 3-Step Costume Check: look for the CE mark, check for small parts that could come off and end up in a child’s mouth, and make sure there are no cords or strings that could cause strangulation. 

“Keep kids and their costumes away from candles, bonfires and open flames of any kind.  

“Children’s Halloween costumes are a particular concern for product safety authorities across the EU. Costumes without the CE mark can be bought from online marketplaces outside Europe and may not meet EU safety standards, potentially posing a serious health and safety risk to children.” 

Worried about a costume or accessory?  

If you have a safety concern about a Halloween costume, prop or accessory, stop using it immediately and contact the CCPC's national consumer helpline on 01 402 5555. You should also alert the manufacturer or retailer with your concerns. 

Stay safe, be cautious, and enjoy your Halloween. For more help and advice on how to keep safe this Halloween, visit CCPC Halloween Safety Tips.