Latest news with #TheConsumerCouncil
RTHK
15-07-2025
- Health
- RTHK
Be cautious when buying children's raincoats: watchdog
Be cautious when buying children's raincoats: watchdog The Consumer Council tested 14 raincoats and ponchos labelled as suitable for children aged 3 to 7. Photo: RTHK The Consumer Council on Tuesday urged parents to be more vigilant when purchasing children's raincoats, after some were found to contain harmful chemicals exceeding international safety standards. The watchdog put out the advisory following tests on 14 raincoats and ponchos labelled as suitable for children between 110cm and 130cm tall, or aged 3 to 7. It found that two models contained phthalates – chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and durable – that exceeded European standards, with the worst case surpassing the limit by 11 times. The two brands involved are and One. The watchdog said the risk of absorbing phthalates is normally low but warned that the use of sunscreen, wounds on the skin and having eczema could increase such a risk. It said absorbing the hazardous chemical may disrupt children's endocrine system and even affect their reproductive health. The product was also found to contain lead levels exceeding US regulatory limits. Additionally, the council found that raincoats from three brands – Kocotree, Smart Angel, and One – had cords and drawstrings that failed to meet European safety standards, posing a higher risk of strangulation. 'We suggest manufacturers to review their product materials and change to materials that do not have such hazardous chemicals,' Angel Cheung, the council's director of research and survey, said. 'For physical safety, we suggest manufacturers review their design of raincoats and ponchos to avoid having long drawstrings and cords to safeguard children safety and health.' In response to the report, submitted its own test results to the council, saying they did not find any abnormalities in their products but had suspended sales.
South China Morning Post
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Coldplay in Hong Kong: watchdog receives 114 complaints over blocked views
Hong Kong's consumer watchdog has received more than 100 complaints from concertgoers over obstructed views at Coldplay's recent shows in the city. Advertisement The Consumer Council said the number of complaints related to blocked views at the four-night concert series reached 114 by 5pm on Wednesday. Gilly Wong Fung-han, the organisation's chief executive, said the cost of the tickets involved in the complaints was typically HK$2,099 (US$270) per person, with the complainants largely falling into two categories. 'One group were not told that their views were obstructed when purchasing their tickets … but when they checked their tickets closer to the performance, they found out that it had 'obstructed views' written on it, so they feel they were scammed or that something was omitted,' she told a radio programme. 'Another group were aware when they bought the tickets that their views would be obstructed as it was stated on their ticket, but when they got to the venue, they realised the obstruction was much more serious than they imagined.' Advertisement Coldplay performed four shows at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium between April 8 to 12, with organisers saying about 200,000 people were in attendance.
