Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) inspectors have examined 390 showbags for this year’s Melbourne Royal Show.
The showbags are examined by CAV annually to ensure they are in line with safety standards under the Australian Consumer Law. This year, we inspected more than 2700 individual items, with 13 items failing to meet mandatory safety or information standards.
These included a toy that presented a choking hazard to young children, and products that did not have the required mandatory labelling attached. This labelling helps warn consumers how to guard against risks to their health and safety.
When unsafe products are found, they are replaced with more suitable items to ensure the safety of all visitors to the show.
As well as fines, serious and repeat breaches of product safety laws can lead to court action and penalties of up to $2,500,000 for individuals, and $50 million for companies.
CAV Director Nicole Rich said consumer safety is CAV’s top priority.
“The Melbourne Royal Show is a cultural staple for many of us in Victoria, so we take these safety inspections very seriously. We want families to enjoy this iconic event with confidence, knowing that the stalls they visit and the showbags they choose are safe for themselves and their loved ones.”
CAV has worked with the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria for nearly 40 years and will continue to inspect showbags and stalls through the duration of the 11-day event this year.
The Melbourne Royal Show runs from 21 September to 1 October 2023 at the Melbourne Showgrounds.