THIS year’s showbags have received the safety tick of approval.
NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox said close to 900,000 people attended the show every year.
“Families visiting this year’s Royal Easter Show can be confident that every effort has been made to ensure the event is as safe as possible," he said.
“Inspectors from NSW Fair Trading have been working with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, exhibitors and showbag distributors to inspect showbags, stalls, and sideshow alley games to ensure they meet safety standards.
“The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW advises me the showbags were all given a thumbs-up from ‘junior inspectors’ from the Royal Far West and Westmead Children’s Hospital a few weeks ago after the safety inspections”.
Mr Mason-Cox said NSW Fair Trading officers examined a record 349 showbags last month, inspecting toys, clothing and novelty items to ensure that all products met strict product safety standards.
“Only a small number of products were required to be removed from sale,’’ Mr Mason-Cox said.
“They included two types of toy machine guns – one which had a projectile suction cap that was not correctly attached and posed a choking hazard - and another which did not have a properly secured battery cover.
“The second toy was a remote control 4X4 car, which didn’t have the battery cover properly secured."
He said NSW Fair Trading inspectors would continue further inspections throughout the show to ensure non-compliant items did not find their way back into bags.
“Sideshow alley games are also being inspected to make sure that prizes are safe and compliant," he said.
“Stalls, gas appliances and spa baths will also be examined.’’
“The tremendous success of this event, now in its 193rd year, is a testament to the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW’s commitment to putting safety first,’’ he said.