Urgent Halloween Recall: Coles & Reject Shop Products Linked to 'Serious Injury in 2 Hours'! Is Your Home At Risk?
As the spooky season casts its shadow across Australia, an urgent safety alert has been issued for two popular Halloween products sold at major retailers Coles and The Reject Shop. These critical halloween product recalls come with stark warnings of potential serious injury or even death, particularly for young children.
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| Urgent product recalls issued by Coles and Reject Shop for Halloween items, including a bouncy ball and a candle, over safety risks. |
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has highlighted severe risks associated with a Coles LED light-up bouncing ball and a Reject Shop two-wick novelty candle. Consumers are strongly urged to immediately stop using these items and take appropriate action to prevent harm.
The Hidden Danger of Coles' Bouncy Balls: A Button Battery Nightmare
The Coles Halloween LED light-up bouncing balls have been recalled due to a critical failure to comply with mandatory safety standards for products containing button or coin batteries. These tiny power sources, often found in everyday items, pose an insidious threat when ingested.
The ACCC warns that the packaging for these bouncing balls is missing crucial warnings about the dangers of these batteries to children. Furthermore, it fails to provide clear instructions on what to do if a child swallows one. The screw intended to secure the battery covering may not be adequately fastened, making the battery easily accessible.
If a child swallows a button or coin battery, the consequences can be devastating. "Serious injury can occur in as little as two hours and the results can be fatal," an ACCC spokesperson warned. Tragically, children in Australia have suffered severe internal burn injuries, choking, or even died from ingesting these batteries.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, "Button batteries are extremely dangerous for young children and tragically, children have been seriously injured or died from swallowing or ingesting them". It's a race against time once a battery is swallowed, with injury potentially occurring rapidly.
Customers who purchased the Coles Halloween LED light-up bouncing balls between October 1 and 9, 2025, should immediately stop using them. Keep them out of reach of children and contact the manufacturer, RMS International, at 0408 066 395 or via email at enquiries.australia@rmsint.com to receive the required warning labeling.
Reject Shop's Candle Catastrophe: A Fire Hazard Unfolding
Meanwhile, The Reject Shop has issued a recall for its 2-wick novelty Halloween candle, often shaped like a skeleton in a coffin. This product presents a significant fire hazard that could lead to burns and injuries.
The ACCC found that the candle wicks may be positioned too close to the edge of the container. This design flaw can cause the container to overheat, crack, and potentially ignite during use. Disturbingly, incidents related to this product have already been reported.
The recalled Reject Shop 2-wick novelty Halloween candle was sold nationally between September 2 and October 8, 2025. It can be identified by barcode number 9336672692269 and SKU 30149720.
If you have this particular candle, cease using it immediately and return it to any Reject Shop store for a full refund. No proof of purchase is necessary, making the return process straightforward for consumers. For further inquiries, customers can contact The Reject Shop on 03 8371 5640 or email qa@rejectshop.com.au.
Beyond These Recalls: Broader Halloween Safety Concerns
These specific halloween product recalls underscore a broader issue of consumer safety, particularly during festive periods when novelty items flood the market. The ACCC has consistently emphasized the importance of vigilant consumer checks, especially for items containing button batteries. Around 20 children are rushed to emergency departments weekly in Australia due to button battery incidents, highlighting the pervasive danger.
When selecting Halloween costumes and decorations, prioritize safety. Look for items with clear CE marks, indicating they meet recognized safety standards. For younger children, always inspect toys and decorative elements for small, loose parts that could become choking hazards.
Considering flameless, battery-operated candles for your Halloween displays can drastically reduce fire risks. Similarly, opt for costumes made from flame-resistant fabrics to prevent burns. Simple precautions can turn a potentially scary night into a safe, memorable one.
The prompt action taken by Coles and The Reject Shop, in conjunction with the ACCC, serves as a vital reminder to always put safety first. Staying informed about product recalls and practicing basic home safety can protect your loved ones from preventable harm.
What to Do if a Button Battery is Swallowed
Recognizing the symptoms of button battery ingestion can be challenging, as they may mimic other common childhood illnesses. However, time is of the essence. If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, act immediately.
Call Triple Zero (000) if the child is experiencing difficulty breathing. Additionally, contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 without delay. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as internal damage can occur rapidly and silently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question? What are the specific products recalled by Coles and The Reject Shop?
Answer. Coles has recalled its Halloween LED light-up bouncing balls, which contain button batteries, and The Reject Shop has recalled a 2-wick novelty Halloween candle, shaped like a skeleton in a coffin.
Question? What are the primary hazards associated with these recalled products?
Answer. The Coles bouncing balls pose risks of choking, severe internal burn injuries, or death due to accessible button batteries. The Reject Shop candle poses a significant fire hazard due to wicks being too close to the container's edge, potentially causing overheating and ignition.
Question? How do I return the recalled items?
Answer. For the Reject Shop candle, return it to any Reject Shop store for a full refund, no proof of purchase required. For the Coles bouncing ball, stop using it, keep it from children, and contact the manufacturer, RMS International, for warning labeling.
Question? What should I do if my child has swallowed a button battery?
Answer. Immediately call Triple Zero (000) if they have difficulty breathing, or the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. Do not wait for symptoms, as severe injury can occur in as little as two hours.
Question? How can I check for other product recalls?
Answer. You can stay informed about product safety issues and recalls by regularly checking the Product Safety Australia website, managed by the ACCC, for the most current information.
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