MYER RECALL: Popular Kitchen Aid gadget pulled from Myer shelves over deadly button battery danger to children
Parents who picked up a KitchenAid thermometer from Myer or a homewares store earlier this year are being urged to stop using it immediately and return it for a full refund.
The KitchenAid Digital Pen/Quick Response Thermometer, model number KQ905G has been pulled from shelves nationally after Product Safety Australia found its packaging failed to comply with mandatory information standards relating to button batteries.
Specifically, the packaging omitted warnings about the dangers the batteries pose to children and instructions on what to do if a child swallows one or inserts it into any part of their body.
Authorities describe the risk as serious and potentially fatal.
"Children are at risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries or death if they swallow or place button/coin batteries inside their bodies," the Product Safety Australia alert states.
"Serious injury can occur in as little as two hours and the results can be fatal."
"In Australia, children have suffered serious injuries or died from swallowing button/coin batteries."
The affected thermometers were sold nationally and online between February 5 and March 25 this year through a range of retailers including Myer, Selections, Global Retail Brands Australia and Dalgarnos Homewares.
Anyone who purchased the product is being told to stop using it straight away, keep it well out of reach of children and return it to the place of purchase or to Lifetime Brands Australia for a full refund.
Authorities are urging parents not to wait for symptoms to appear if they suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a battery. Acting immediately could mean the difference between life and death.
"Call Triple Zero (000) if your child is bleeding or having any difficulty breathing," the alert advises.
"They can direct you to an appropriate medical facility."
"Early action can save lives. Do not wait for symptoms to develop."
Button battery injuries have become an increasingly serious public health concern in Australia in recent years, with regulators tightening mandatory packaging and product standards across a wide range of consumer goods.
The KitchenAid recall is the latest reminder that even everyday kitchen products can carry hidden dangers when packaging requirements are not properly met.
Consumers with the affected model KQ905G are asked to act now. Returns and refunds are available through all retailers that stocked the product.
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