The Ohio Department of Commerce inspects stuffed animals to ensure safety

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As children unwrap their gifts next week, parents can rest easy knowing their new stuffed animals are safe for play.

The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Industrial Compliance inspected samples of 119 new stuffed toys this year, ensuring they meet safety standards through a two-part process.

“One is the application for the manufacturer. We want to make sure we know who is manufacturing the products that are being offered in Ohio. And just as importantly, if not more importantly, we’re going to test the filling material of these stuffed animals, validate it to the manufacturer’s law label, and then that provides consumers a good idea of what it is that they’re that’s hidden. They don’t see it and they want to make sure that it’s safe for their children,” said Rick Selegue, from the Division of Industrial Compliance.

According to Selegue, even the most adorable toys can pose a risk if they aren’t properly made. This is why the Division’s Bedding, Upholstered Furniture, and Stuffed Toy Section is responsible for enforcing state laws that govern how stuffed toys, bedding, and upholstered furniture are made, imported, and sold in Ohio.

“I’ve got kids, I’ve got grandkids, I know that they’re going to be playing with these types of products and for me I want to make sure that they have an opportunity to get something that is safe, but yet fun for them to play with,” Selegue said.

If you still have some holiday shopping to wrap up this weekend, you can ensure that new toys are good to go by checking for proper labeling that indicates compliance with Ohio’s safety standards when purchasing stuffed toys.