SGS : Health Canada Warns about Teething Necklaces

Health Canada published a letter to industry to inform them about potential hazards and performance criteria for teething necklaces.

SAFEGUARDS | Toys & Juvenile Products NO. 127/18

In August Health Canada published a letter to industry warning them about risks of teething necklaces. Teething necklaces worn by children younger than 3 years of age, may present strangulation hazards as they are worn around the neck. In case they break any released small parts may present choking or aspiration hazards.

There is currently no specific regulation that address hazards related to teething necklaces. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) although has a general requirement prohibiting consumer products that are a 'danger to human health and safety'.

Health Canada has concluded that teething necklaces worn by children under 3 years of age should meet the below listed 4 performance criteria. Health Canada states that meeting the performance criteria does not mean that the product is safe, but failing to meet the criteria is a strong indicator that the product may pose a danger to human health or safety.

The 4 performance criteria are:

Hazard	Related Performance Criteria
Strangulation	1. ASTM F2923-14 Standard Specification for Consumer Product Safety for Children's Jewelry Section 13.1 - Breakaway Tension Test (The necklace must separate at a load below 22.2 N (5 lb) instead of the 66.6 N (15 lb) stated in section 13.1 of ASTM F2923-14) and 2. ASTM F963-17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety Section 4.14.1.1 - Cords, Straps, and Elastics Containing a Breakaway Feature (Additionally the breakaway feature shall be capable of being reattached without altering the characteristics of the attachment. This to prevent caregivers to attach by alternate means, like a knot.)
Choking and Aspiration	3. Toys Regulations (SOR/2011-17) Section 7 - Small parts - (The necklace may not be a small part, nor release small parts after use and abuse testing. A force of 4.45 N is applied to assess weather small parts fit in the small parts cylinder)
Labelling	4. The following warning or its equivalent must appear on the product or its packaging in English and French: WARNING! Strangulation hazard. Adult supervision required at all times. Always remove for sleep. MISE EN GARDE! Risque d'étranglement. La supervision d'un adulte est requise en tout temps. Toujours retirer pour dormir.

Products that do not meet the above performance criteria cannot be sold and are subject to compliance and enforcement actions.

Health Canada's warning for consumers [1]

Health Canada letter to industry [2]

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