Advisory

2003-21
April 15, 2003
For immediate release

Health Canada advises Canadians that decorative Easter products could be hazardous to young children

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising Canadians that some decorative Easter products should be kept out of young children's reach. Easter products, such as decorative chicks and bunnies, are attractive to children, but may have small parts that are easily removed and could pose a dangerous choking hazard to young children. Other Easter decorations may have exposed sharp wire ends that could cut or puncture skin.

Health Canada recommends that parents, guardians and caregivers of young children carefully examine their decorative Easter products for small loose parts or sharp points or edges. If potentially hazardous products are found, keep them safely out of children's reach or dispose of them.

In addition, any plastic bag, such as a plastic bag over an Easter basket, poses a suffocation hazard and should never be left within reach of young children.

For further information, contact your nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office:

Media Inquiries:
Margot Geduld
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991