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Summer is when Filipino families, including children, usually go out to the beach or swimming pool. For a safer summer outing, the Food and Drug Administration reminds the public on the safe use of inflatable water toys.

Inflatable toys are toys which are blown up or filled with air, intended to be used in children’s play. These include inflatable water toys used at the beach or pool. A few examples of inflatable water toys include, beach balls, small inflatable toy mattresses and boats, and bathing rings. These simple inflatable toys are intended to be used at all times under adult supervision. Caution must be exercised as these are not considered as life-saving devices, swimming aids or swimming learning devices.

It is important to note that swimming aids and swimming learning devices, such as life jackets, armbands and other floatation devices which are not intended for play do not fall under the classification of toys which are under FDA’s jurisdiction. However, these products should still be used cautiously. For more information on inflatable water toys, please check the accompanying infographic material attached to this Advisory.

When using inflatable water toys, consumers, especially guardians of children, are advised to pay attention to its proper use. Consumers are advised to keep the following in mind:

The FDA Consumers are also advised to check if these products have been authorized by the FDA by checking the FDA Verification Portal at https://verification.fda.gov.ph. Finally, be informed that toys authorized in the Philippines are required to have the correct labeling information. The following are information that must be present in toy labeling:

  1. Age grading, which suggests the minimum age for a child to safely play a given toy
  2. Cautionary Statements/Warnings, which provides safety information that may be involved with playing with the toy
  3. Instructional Literature, which reasonably informs you how to use the toy correctly
  4. Manufacturer’s markings with complete name and address of the local company, which lets you know the identity of the manufacturer or distributor
  5. License to Operate (LTO) Number issued by FDA, which lets you know that the company is duly-licensed with the FDA
  6. Item Model/ Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) number, which informs you of the specific product identity

If a product is found to be violative and fail to bear the above label requirements, please file a report through eReport at [email protected].

 

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