Health Canada published a letter to industry to inform them about potential hazards and performance criteria for teething necklaces.
In August, Health Canada published a letter to industry warning them about the risks from teething necklaces. Teething necklaces worn by children younger than three years of age, may present strangulation hazards as they are worn around the neck and in case they break, any released small parts may present a choking or respiration hazard.
There is currently no specific regulation that addresses hazards related to teething necklaces. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) has a general requirement prohibiting consumer products that are a “danger to human health and safety”.
Health Canada has concluded that teething necklaces worn by children under 3 years of age should meet the following listed four performance criteria. Health Canada states that meeting the performance criteria does not mean that the product is safe but failing to meet the criteria is a strong indicator that the product may pose a danger to human health or safety.
The four performance criteria are:
| Hazard | Related Performance Criteria |
Strangulation | 1. ASTM F2923-14 Standard Specification for Consumer Product Safety for Children’s Jewelry and 2. ASTM F963-17 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety Section 4.14.1.1 - Cords, Straps, and Elastics Containing a Breakaway Feature (Additionally the breakaway feature shall be capable of being reattached without altering the characteristics of the attachment. This to prevent caregivers to attach by alternate means, like a knot.) |
| Choking and Aspiration | 3. Toys Regulations (SOR/2011-17) Section 7 - Small parts – (The necklace may not be a small part, nor release small parts after use and abuse testing. A force of 4.45 N is applied to assess weather small parts fit in the small parts cylinder) |
| Labelling | 4. The following warning or its equivalent must appear on the product or its packaging in English and French: WARNING! Strangulation hazard. Adult supervision required at all times. Always remove for sleep. MISE EN GARDE! Risque d’étranglement. La supervision d’un adulte est requise en tout temps. Toujours retirer pour dormir. |
Products that do not meet the above performance criteria cannot be sold and are subject to compliance and enforcement actions.
Health Canada’s warning for consumers [1]
Health Canada letter to industry [2]
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