Latest news with #ProductRegulationandMetrologyBill
The Irish Sun
24-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Major warning to parents over illegal sunglasses sold in UK that are ‘harmful to children' as 6 worst brands revealed
A MAJOR warning has been issued to parents over illegal sunglasses sold in the UK that are harmful to children. A third of the kids' sunglasses bought from online marketplaces including Amazon, AliExpress, eBay and Temu can't provide the eye protection required and are unsafe for children to wear, new research revealed. 1 Researchers found the lenses on the Cute Cat Kids' Sunglasses, bought from Amazon for £1.59, provide hardly any eye protection This can cause major eye problems for children later in life. Consumer watchdog Which? bought 20 pairs of sunglasses from six online marketplaces. It then put them through standard lab-based tests and stated that "UV test and compliance failures combined mean that none of the 20 pairs of sunglasses we tested from online marketplaces can be sold legally in the UK". The watchdog discovered two pairs let through too much On five pairs – including one with dangerously low UV protection – the watchdog found significant differences between the amount of protection provided by one lens compared to the other. On its website, Which? reported: "Good glasses have the same level of protection across both lenses. "And all the kids' sunglasses bought from marketplaces were missing key information, labels and markings required for them to be sold in the UK legally." Scots flock to park & beaches to bask in sizzling temperatures Researchers added: "The latest in our series of investigations into unsafe products shows why more needs to be done to prevent their sale through online marketplaces. Most read in The Sun "The Government's Product Regulation and Metrology Bill presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect online shoppers and to give online marketplaces clear legal responsibilities to keep dangerous products off their sites." Which? added that "the most important thing" that a pair of kids' sunglasses can do is to protect young and still-developing eyes from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It went on to say: "But worryingly, two pairs bought from Amazon and eBay failed to effectively filter the sun's rays, despite both claiming to provide sufficient UV protection." "Children are exposed to more UV than adults, their eyes are still developing, and this increases the risk of UV damage. "Overexposure to UV over many years can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration." Amazon, eBay, AliExpress and Temu were approached for comment. Ones to look out for Of all the sunglasses the watchdog tested, the ones they were most concerned about were the first two in this list: Cute Cat Kids' Sunglasses UV Protection, which cost £1.59 (bought from Amazon). Researchers noted the lenses let through between 19 and 22 times too much UVB, which means they're providing hardly any eye protection. Classic Vintage Holiday Sunglasses UV400 £3.99. Researchers note that since their investigation began, this pair of glasses is no longer listed by the seller. But the eBay store they bought them from lists another 34 different models and claims more than 5,000 sales of sunglasses. Others tested by Which? included a heart-shaped pair of glasses bought from a seller on eBay (Retro Love Heart shape UV400, £2.83). The lenses aren't consistent in the way they filter UV. Another heart-shaped pair of glasses from eBay (Heart Pattern UV400, £5.28) has exactly the same problem. One lens filters more UV than the other. As light doesn't pass through the lenses evenly, this could lead make it uncomfortable for a child wearing them. A pair of kids' aviators on AliExpress (New fashion Pilot sunglasses for kids children, £1.16) were equally problematic. Researchers tested them twice, and they failed both times as the lenses let through different levels of UV. Which? also tested a cheap pair of kids' sunglasses from Temu (Trendy And Vibrant Glasses for Kids, £1) that couldn't consistently filter UV across both lenses.
Scottish Sun
24-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Major warning to parents over illegal sunglasses sold in UK that are ‘harmful to children' as 6 worst brands revealed
The products are dangerous and can lead to kids developing cataracts EYE FRY Major warning to parents over illegal sunglasses sold in UK that are 'harmful to children' as 6 worst brands revealed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR warning has been issued to parents over illegal sunglasses sold in the UK that are harmful to children. A third of the kids' sunglasses bought from online marketplaces including Amazon, AliExpress, eBay and Temu can't provide the eye protection required and are unsafe for children to wear, new research revealed. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Researchers found the lenses on the Cute Cat Kids' Sunglasses, bought from Amazon for £1.59, provide hardly any eye protection This can cause major eye problems for children later in life. Consumer watchdog Which? bought 20 pairs of sunglasses from six online marketplaces. It then put them through standard lab-based tests and stated that "UV test and compliance failures combined mean that none of the 20 pairs of sunglasses we tested from online marketplaces can be sold legally in the UK". The watchdog discovered two pairs let through too much ultraviolet light (UV), which could damage a child's eyes. On five pairs – including one with dangerously low UV protection – the watchdog found significant differences between the amount of protection provided by one lens compared to the other. On its website, Which? reported: "Good glasses have the same level of protection across both lenses. "And all the kids' sunglasses bought from marketplaces were missing key information, labels and markings required for them to be sold in the UK legally." Scots flock to park & beaches to bask in sizzling temperatures Researchers added: "The latest in our series of investigations into unsafe products shows why more needs to be done to prevent their sale through online marketplaces. "The Government's Product Regulation and Metrology Bill presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect online shoppers and to give online marketplaces clear legal responsibilities to keep dangerous products off their sites." Which? added that "the most important thing" that a pair of kids' sunglasses can do is to protect young and still-developing eyes from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It went on to say: "But worryingly, two pairs bought from Amazon and eBay failed to effectively filter the sun's rays, despite both claiming to provide sufficient UV protection." "Children are exposed to more UV than adults, their eyes are still developing, and this increases the risk of UV damage. "Overexposure to UV over many years can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration." Amazon, eBay, AliExpress and Temu were approached for comment. Ones to look out for Of all the sunglasses the watchdog tested, the ones they were most concerned about were the first two in this list: Cute Cat Kids' Sunglasses UV Protection, which cost £1.59 (bought from Amazon). Researchers noted the lenses let through between 19 and 22 times too much UVB, which means they're providing hardly any eye protection. Classic Vintage Holiday Sunglasses UV400 £3.99. Researchers note that since their investigation began, this pair of glasses is no longer listed by the seller. But the eBay store they bought them from lists another 34 different models and claims more than 5,000 sales of sunglasses. Others tested by Which? included a heart-shaped pair of glasses bought from a seller on eBay (Retro Love Heart shape UV400, £2.83). The lenses aren't consistent in the way they filter UV. (Retro Love Heart shape UV400, £2.83). The lenses aren't consistent in the way they filter UV. Another heart-shaped pair of glasses from eBay (Heart Pattern UV400, £5.28) has exactly the same problem. One lens filters more UV than the other. As light doesn't pass through the lenses evenly, this could lead make it uncomfortable for a child wearing them. (Heart Pattern UV400, £5.28) has exactly the same problem. One lens filters more UV than the other. As light doesn't pass through the lenses evenly, this could lead make it uncomfortable for a child wearing them. A pair of kids' aviators on AliExpress (New fashion Pilot sunglasses for kids children, £1.16) were equally problematic. Researchers tested them twice, and they failed both times as the lenses let through different levels of UV. (New fashion Pilot sunglasses for kids children, £1.16) were equally problematic. Researchers tested them twice, and they failed both times as the lenses let through different levels of UV. Which? also tested a cheap pair of kids' sunglasses from Temu (Trendy And Vibrant Glasses for Kids, £1) that couldn't consistently filter UV across both lenses.
Fashion United
16-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Third of children's sunglasses sold online pose 'serious risk'
A third of children's sunglasses bought from online marketplaces, including Amazon, AliExpress, Ebay, TikTok, Shein and Temu, do not provide the eye protection required and are unsafe to wear, according to a new investigation from Which?, a UK consumer champion that tests and reviews products. Which? researchers bought 20 pairs of kids' sunglasses from the six online marketplaces and found that UV protection levels were found to be dangerously low for two of the pairs tested, despite claiming to have full UV protection, while some offer significantly different protection from one lens to the other, when good sunglasses should offer the same protection in both lenses. It also noted that while several models look enticing, especially to children, with heart or cat-shaped lenses or vintage styles, they either made misleading claims about their ability to block UV rays or had inconsistent UV filtering. All of the sunglasses tested were found to be missing key information, labels and markings, such as CE or UK Conformity Assessed markings (UKCA), which are required for them to be sold in the UK legally. As a result, none of the 20 pairs of sunglasses bought from online marketplaces can be sold legally in the UK, said Which?, which has labelled the sunglasses as Don't Buys and would urge consumers to avoid them. Rocio Concha, director of policy and advocacy at Which?, said: 'With summer holidays approaching, it is understandable that parents will want to buy their children sunglasses, and kids and parents alike might be tempted by some of the cheap and trendy options sold online. 'Our research shows many of these models are so ineffective as to be dangerous for children to wear and this is a consequence of online marketplaces having no real responsibility or incentive for taking safety seriously. 'The government's Product Regulation and Metrology Bill must be strengthened to include legal responsibilities for online marketplaces to ensure the products they sell on their sites are safe, with heavy fines for those that fall short of the required standards.' In response to the research, an Amazon spokesperson added: 'Safety is a top a priority, and we require all products offered in our store to comply with applicable laws, regulations and Amazon policies. We continuously monitor our store and take action to maintain a safe selection for our customers, including removing non-compliant products and reaching out to sellers, manufacturers, and government agencies for additional information. 'If customers have concerns about an item they've purchased, we encourage them to contact our Customer Service directly so we can investigate and help resolve their issue. The products in questions have been removed.' AliExpress, Shein, Temu and TikTok told Which? that it had removed the items that failed the tests from its platforms, while Ebay stated it was 'proactively' preventing prohibited listings through seller compliance audits, block filter algorithms for unsafe listings, and AI-supported monitoring by our team of in-house specialists.
North Wales Chronicle
08-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Cadbury fans ‘disgusted' as chocolate pack shrinks
The product in question is the Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks which are now being sold as packs of four instead of packs of six. A pack of four chocolate bars costs £1.40 on Tesco's website despite a pack of six of the same chocolate bar costing the same price last month, reports The Sun. Taking to the review section on the Tesco website, one customer said: 'Advertised as new, only thing new is you get 4 instead of 6!! For the same price. Disgusting!' Another commented: 'Stop reducing how much is in the packet and charging the same price!!!' A third noticed the difference in pack size: 'Taken 2 bars out. STILL SAME PRICE. Were 6 now 4. Disgraceful.' Someone else shared: 'Was a six pack now a four pack for the same price, a third less chocolate, unacceptable shrinkflation'. The Sun explained that another pack of Cadbury chocolate bars – Freddos – had reduced from five bars to four as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk multipacks which went from nine bars to seven. The Liberal Democrats want government legislation amended to legally require large supermarkets to inform shoppers when the quantity of goods within a pre-packaged product has decreased thereby increasing the price per unit of measurement. Details of the changes would need to be attached or placed alongside the product for a 60-day period, according to the amendment tabled to the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill. Supermarkets would be forced to tell their customers if they want them to 'pay more for less' under the proposals designed to tackle 'shrinkflation'. Digestive biscuits, butter, crisps and chocolate bars were among the items found to have decreased in size while their unit cost increased, according to 2024 research by Compare the Market. Cadbury told The Sun: 'We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business. Recommended reading: Cadbury shrinks size of Freddo chocolates while prices remain the same Cadbury to release new chocolate bar shoppers say is like discontinued favourite 'Best ever' discontinued Cadbury chocolate fans have 'waited for' spotted at B&M 'However, as a food producer, we are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain, with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy, which are widely used in our products, costing far more than they have done previously. 'Meanwhile, other costs like energy and transport, also remain high. This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges. 'As a result of this difficult environment, we have had to make the decision to slightly reduce the weight of our Cadbury Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks so that we can continue to provide consumers with the brands they love, without compromising on the great taste and quality they expect.' Newsquest has approached Cadbury for comment.
The Herald Scotland
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Cadbury fans ‘disgusted' as chocolate pack shrinks
A pack of four chocolate bars costs £1.40 on Tesco's website despite a pack of six of the same chocolate bar costing the same price last month, reports The Sun. Cadbury fans 'disgusted' at chocolate bar 'shrinkflation' Taking to the review section on the Tesco website, one customer said: 'Advertised as new, only thing new is you get 4 instead of 6!! For the same price. Disgusting!' Another commented: 'Stop reducing how much is in the packet and charging the same price!!!' A third noticed the difference in pack size: 'Taken 2 bars out. STILL SAME PRICE. Were 6 now 4. Disgraceful.' Someone else shared: 'Was a six pack now a four pack for the same price, a third less chocolate, unacceptable shrinkflation'. The Sun explained that another pack of Cadbury chocolate bars – Freddos – had reduced from five bars to four as well as Cadbury Dairy Milk multipacks which went from nine bars to seven. Lib Dems call for customers to be told about 'shrinkflation' The Liberal Democrats want government legislation amended to legally require large supermarkets to inform shoppers when the quantity of goods within a pre-packaged product has decreased thereby increasing the price per unit of measurement. Discontinued UK sweets/chocolates Details of the changes would need to be attached or placed alongside the product for a 60-day period, according to the amendment tabled to the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill. Supermarkets would be forced to tell their customers if they want them to 'pay more for less' under the proposals designed to tackle 'shrinkflation'. Digestive biscuits, butter, crisps and chocolate bars were among the items found to have decreased in size while their unit cost increased, according to 2024 research by Compare the Market. Cadbury told The Sun: 'We understand the economic pressures that consumers continue to face and any changes to our product sizes is a last resort for our business. Recommended reading: 'However, as a food producer, we are continuing to experience significantly higher input costs across our supply chain, with ingredients such as cocoa and dairy, which are widely used in our products, costing far more than they have done previously. 'Meanwhile, other costs like energy and transport, also remain high. This means that our products continue to be much more expensive to make and while we have absorbed these costs where possible, we still face considerable challenges. 'As a result of this difficult environment, we have had to make the decision to slightly reduce the weight of our Cadbury Dairy Milk Little Bars multipacks so that we can continue to provide consumers with the brands they love, without compromising on the great taste and quality they expect.' Newsquest has approached Cadbury for comment.
