Birmingham Shoppers Urged to Beware of Unsafe Holiday Products

This Christmas season, Birmingham shoppers are cautioned about the risks posed by pop-up street vendors selling potentially dangerous products. Trading Standards have reported instances of counterfeit items, including toys with toxic paint and unsafe designs, as well as so-called perfumes that are merely bottles of water. These sellers, unconnected to the vetted Christmas market, target bargain hunters, particularly children purchasing gifts for parents.

David Benbow from Trading Standards highlighted the importance of purchasing from reputable sources, advising consumers to look for safety marks like the CE mark and UKCA mark on toys, which indicate compliance with safety standards. Shoppers are also warned to avoid deals that appear too good to be true, as they may lead to disappointment and lack of consumer protection. In addition to toys and perfumes, buyers should be cautious with electric scooters and cheap electrical parts, which may not meet safety regulations. For any concerns, consumers can reach out to the Trading Standards team for assistance.