'Dangerous' Yo-Balls banned after safety tests

A new toy, known as a 'Yo-Ball', has been banned today – the first such ban for over a decade – after it was found to be "potentially dangerous to children".

The supply of Yo-Balls was banned by the government after tests revealed that the toy could pose a risk of strangulation. The action comes in response to concerns raised following eight reported incidents in the last month.

The Department of Trade and Industry commissioned tests which concluded that the toys do not meet the safety requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995.

Trade minister Melanie Johnson said: "It is clear this toy poses a very serious risk to children, and in light of the findings of our safety tests, I am banning their supply.

"I do not want to spoil the fun that sensible use of the toy can bring, but on balance I cannot ignore children's safety."

Yo-Balls are made of a jelly-like material with a ball filled with liquid and a strap with a small finger loop at the end - they are highly elastic and can be stretched to great lengths. It is estimated that over five million have already been imported into the UK.

The DTI has issued Prohibition Notices on named suppliers prohibiting them from supplying the toy in the UK. Trading standards officers will enforce the ban with local traders and can require the removal of articles from sale, or risk prosecution.

The action does not affect consumers who already own Yo-Balls, but parents of children who have the toy should be aware of the potential hazard they pose, and dispose of them safely.

(GMcG)