ALERT: Teething beads for babies BANNED following death risk

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has stopped the sale of dangerous amber teething jewellery in a number of Irish retailers.

Amber bead products are increasingly advertised and sold in Ireland and across Europe as teething aids in the form of necklaces, bracelets and anklets.

However, these products pose 'serious risks' to babies and small children, including risks of strangulation and choking.

The CCPC is calling on all businesses to stop selling or marketing these products as teething aids and have approached multiple distributors across Ireland, requiring them to remove all amber teething jewellery from sale, both in-store and online.

As part of the investigation, the CCPC also worked closely with the HSE to provide up-to-date information on amber teething jewellery to businesses. The CCPC is also working with other European product safety authorities to track down companies supplying these products to Ireland.

Grainne Griffin, CCPC Director of Communications, warned: “While teething can be a distressing and often exhausting time for parents and children alike, this dangerous jewellery is not a remedy, it’s a risk.  

“Amber teething jewellery can come apart in a baby’s mouth causing the baby to choke or to swallow the beads. Also, as with any cords around a baby or child’s neck, there is a risk of strangulation.

“Thanks to the callers who reported these products to our helpline, we were able to step in and get those businesses to stop selling amber beads as teething aids for babies. We ask the public to remain vigilant and contact us if they see these teething beads, or other potential hazards, being advertised for use with children.”

Amber jewellery used for teething is very unsafe for any child under three years of age and the CCPC have said that they will take appropriate action against suppliers and retailers who sell or advertise them as teething aids.

Dr Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead Child Health Public Health, added: “Not only is there a strangulation and choking risk, there is no convincing evidence to support claims that amber teething jewellery provides pain relief.

“It can be upsetting for parents to see babies and young children in discomfort from teething. Depending on their age and stage, you can use teething rings, sugar-free teething gel or cold water and healthy foods to chew on.

“It’s vital to never put any kind of cord, string or chain around a baby’s neck, and to keep small objects like beads away from babies and small children.”

If you are aware of a business selling amber jewellery as teething aids, please contact the CCPC Consumer Helpline on 01 402 5555 from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, or email ask@ccpc.ie.

For more information, please visit www.ccpc.ie/amberbeads