The consumer-protection watchdog says that it has stopped the sale of what it describes as “dangerous” amber teething jewellery for babies and small children.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) said that amber bead products were increasingly advertised and sold in Ireland and across Europe as teething aids in the form of necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.

It warned, however, that these products posed “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.

Supply

The watchdog said that its product-safety experts had approached distributors across Ireland, requiring them to remove all amber teething jewellery from sale, both instore and online.

“As part of the investigation, the CCPC also worked closely with the HSE (Health Service Executive) to provide up-to-date information on amber teething jewellery to businesses,” it added.

The CCPC is also working with other European authorities to track down companies supplying these products to Ireland.

‘No convincing evidence’

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.”

She asked members of the public to contact the CCPC if they saw these teething beads being advertised for use with children.

Dr Abigail Collins (HSE national clinical lead for child health) added that, as well as the risks posed by these products, there was no convincing evidence to support claims that they provided pain relief.

The CCPC warned that it would take “appropriate action” against suppliers and retailers who sold or advertised amber jewellery as teething aids.