Ages warns: Dangerous wooden toys for small children in stores!

Ages warns: Dangerous wooden toys for small children in stores!

The Austrian Agency for Health and Nutritional Safety (AGE) has again published an urgent product warning. This affects the "Little Storiz! 24m+ vehicle truck tipper" from the manufacturer Gifi from China. After numerous reports on security risks, the Ages warns that small parts of the toy can come loose, which leads to a danger for small children, since these parts can block the airways. The warning was published on April 24, 2025 and points out that consumers who own this product should dispose of it immediately to avoid health risks.

The toy affected is made by Gifi Asia, based in Hong Kong and sold by GIFI Austria Handel GmbH. All Gifi branches in Austria, which were previously present in Vienna and Styria, are now closed. The Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is currently investigating possible further measures to ensure the safety of children. However, it is emphasized that the warning does not indicate that the risk of human health was caused by the manufacturer, importer or distributor. On behalf of the Republic of Austria, the AGEs does important work to protect the health of humans, animals and plant.

new EU regulations on toy security

The current case comes at a time when the EU is already working on stricter regulations for the safety of toys. On Wednesday, the European Parliament assumed an overwhelming 603 votes to revise regulations that are created directly applicable regulations in order to meet the security requirements. These new guidelines react to the challenges that digital toys and online shopping are.

The important innovations include increasing the security requirements and the expansion of the ban on certain dangerous chemicals in toys. In particular, the focus is on carcinogenic, genetic -changing and reproductive substances as well as chemicals that affect the respiratory system. In order to minimize these risks, the use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAs) is also prohibited in toys.

Digital product pass and traceability

Another crucial point is the introduction of a digital product passport for toys in the EU. This passport is intended to replace the EU declaration of conformity and will help document compliance with the safety regulations. Consumers thus receive simpler access to security information and warnings, including through QR codes.

The new regulations aim to improve the traceability of toys, while market surveillance and customs controls are simplified. In addition, toys that use digital functions must adhere to strict security and data protection standards. This also includes toys that use artificial intelligence and calls on manufacturers to consider regulations on cyber security and to maintain children's mental and cognitive health.

A new security assessment before the market entry is piling for all manufacturers which covers potential dangers. This is particularly relevant, since according to the EU Safety Gate toys, the most frequently reported product category are 23 % of all reports in 2022.

The Ages and the European Union thus decide to ensure the safety of toys and the protection of children's health. The current developments and warnings illustrate the need for constant surveillance and adaptation of the security standards in the toy industry.

For more information on the product warning, please visit 5min.at and read about the new EU regulations [europarl.europa.eu] (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/de/press-room/20240308ipr19012/strengere-eu----fur--sicherheit-von-fij.