More than 300 Ekka showbags have undergone safety inspections as the Royal Queensland Show gets set to open its gates tomorrow.
State Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said Office of Fair Trading (OFT) inspectors were on the lookout for any novelties, toys or products that could spoil the fun of the event, which runs until August 17 at the RNA Brisbane Showgrounds in inner-city Bowen Hills.
Attorney-General Frecklington said safety inspectors had assessed the contents of 310 showbags, paying careful attention to projectile toys, cosmetics, sunglasses and button batteries.
She said Ekka showbags had evolved significantly since 1876, when the very first bag contained just coal.
“This year showgoers now have a selection of more than 400 to choose from.”
Attorney-General Frecklington said during the pre-Ekka compliance checks only a small number of items were found that did not comply with consumer safety law.
She said three cosmetic products were found without the correct labelling of ingredients, as well as one pair of sunglasses were found to be missing required UV labelling, which was required under Australian consumer law at the point of sale.
“All issues have now been rectified by suppliers.”
Attorney-General Frecklington said OFT inspectors would continue to be present during the Ekka recheck showbags, examine prizes at sideshow alley and assess products from stallholders.
“Whether it’s all-time classics like the Bertie Beetle bag or any of the showbags on offer, Ekka showbags are a tradition that brings joy to young and old. It was great to see just a few non-compliant products that were quickly rectified,” she said.
“While parents and carers should of course remain alert about their selection of showbags and prizes, they can be confident every effort has been made to ensure compliance with consumer safety laws.”
