Parents warned to keep free Origin beanies away from children due to choking fears

Parents who received a free beanie at the opening State of Origin in Townsville are being urged to keep it away from children due to concerns that a single-cell button battery could be a choking hazard.

First aid group CPR Kids was alerted to the problem by worried parents that held fears the button battery may be accessed by children, who could choke.

“The beanie contains a button battery, and the compartment is not safely secured and is easily accessible to children,” CPR Kids wrote on Facebook.

“Please dispose of this or store safely away from children.”

Anyone who received a free beanie from the opening Origin in Townsville has been warned that the battery included could be a choking hazard for children. Picture: Ian Hitchcock/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

The Queensland Rugby League is seeking further information about the complimentary beanies from the supplier.

It’s believed the batteries were in the beanie to power flashing lights.

Concerns around button batteries sparked a government crackdown last December.

Batteries can get stuck in a child’s throat and cause a chemical reaction that burns through body tissue.

The federal government introduced mandatory safety and information standards, including strict requirements on how the batteries are secured in products.

Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said tightening measures on the supply of the batteries proved how dangerous they could be.

A free State of Origin beanie handed out at the game in Townsville.Source:Supplied

“Today’s announcement is also a timely reminder in the lead up to Christmas of the dangers of button batteries and to remind parents to be alert to any that may exist in children’s presents this year,” Sukkar said last year.

The concerns at the Townsville State of Origin follow wristbands handed out at the 2020 AFL grand final at the Gabba in Brisbane being recalled for similar concerns.

Thirty-thousand fans received wristbands with two fully charged button batteries that would light up throughout the event.

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