Food, Health and Product Safety Archives - Page 19 of 46

17 June , 2020

Why you should use a helmet when skateboarding or cycling

Protection given by a helmet for recreational activities goes a long way in preventing serious head injuries. The recently published third edition of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices addresses these concerns. The objective of the updated Australian/New Zealand standard is to provide lightweight helmets that…

1 June , 2020

Hot safety tips for consumers in cold weather

While many of us have already hauled out the winter woollies, electric blankets and hot water bottles, the first official day of winter is the perfect time to check they’re still safe to use. Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio said a number of winter warmer products may pose a safety risk if they are…

20 May , 2020

New Research: Plastic recycling labelling confusing and inconsistent

Today, Consumers International, UNEP and One Planet Network released their global assessment of recycling and sustainability labelling on plastic packaging. The research found only 19% of assessed labels give consumers quality information to make informed recycling and purchasing decisions. In response, we have created five global recommendations for action to engage business, policy makers and standard setters…

20 May , 2020

Artificial intelligence – Standards Australia roadmap

The extensive growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs by the world’s most advanced economies has highlighted the need to effectively use the standards process to promote, develop and realise the opportunities of responsible AI, delivering business growth, improving services and protecting consumers. Standards Australia has released the Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard. This comprehensive…

19 May , 2020

Doing some DIY – beware electrical work

Even when you think you know what you are doing, never attempt to do your own electrical work — it’s dangerous, illegal and can be fatal. Compliance with standards in the electrical sector is a key element of safety in the community and industry. Consumers’ Federation of Australia has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee EL-001 Wiring…

4 May , 2020

Consumers’ Federation of Australia responds to proposed button battery regulation options

CFA has made a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Button Battery Taskforce. The ACCC launched the taskforce to investigate the safety of button batteries and the products that contain them. Button batteries pose a severe injury risk for young children and other vulnerable groups, like the elderly and those with dementia,…

14 April , 2020

UNCTAD calls for firmer action to better protect consumers during COVID-19

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released the following statement, calling for authorities to do more to moniter and act on unfair business practices and criminal activities exploiting fears over the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus pandemic has opened the floodgates of unfair, misleading and abusive business practices, hitting consumers hard and…

31 March , 2020

“Penalties for not taking up private health cover must be suspended”: CHOICE

Consumer advocate says Lifetime Health Cover Loading should be suspended in light of COVID-19 financial pressures Consumer advocate CHOICE is calling on the Federal Government to suspend consumer penalties for not taking up private health insurance in light of the COVID-19 crisis. The advocacy group says the Government should add an extra 365 days to…

31 March , 2020

Fair Trading issues price gouging warning during COVID-19

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning traders to treat consumers fairly and avoid price gouging as shortages of some products continue as a result of COVID-19 panic buying. Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer said the OFT would consider all complaints made about price gouging or profiteering and investigate serious allegations where…

20 March , 2020

Warning on COVID-19 scams

Australians should be aware scammers are adapting existing technology to play on people’s fears around coronavirus and selling products claiming to prevent or cure the virus. Since 1 January 2020, the ACCC’s Scamwatch has received 94 reports of scams about coronavirus, but warns figures are starting to climb. Scamwatch has received multiple reports of phishing scams…

19 March , 2020

Product safety priorities focus on button battery safety

Consumer household products with button batteries, including children’s toys, should have secure battery safety compartments, child resistant packaging and clear information and warning labels, under proposed new mandatory standards put forward by the ACCC for consultation. Button battery safety is a key part of the ACCC’s Product Safety Priorities for 2020, which show how the ACCC will…

12 March , 2020

Understand the cost of medical procedures using Medical Costs Finder

The Medical Costs Finder is an online tool that helps people understand the cost of common medical procedures by specialists in Australia. In line with the Australian Government’s strategy to improve understanding and transparency of out of pocket costs, the web tool uses the most recent publicly available Government data about what people have paid…