Fake Kate Middleton dolls (pictured) have been seized on their way into the UK
A batch of fake Kate Middleton dolls have been seized on their way into the UK because they contain chemicals which can cause cancer.
The children’s toy, dubbed the ‘Princess Catherine Doll’, allegedly has dangerous levels of the compound DEHP, reports the Daily Star.
Fears have been sparked that parents may have already bought the doll, which is supposed to resemble the Duchess of Cambridge as children’s Christmas presents.
The dolls have flowing dark hair and are wearing a gold metallic sequined gown.
This comes as officials alerted parents about a range of other potentially threatening toys heading towards the UK in time for the festive season, including a frog watch, a laser toy and a police set containing small parts.
The toxic compound which is found in the product – DEHP – and is used to soften plastic has been prohibited across Europe due to cancer risks.
It also poses as a threat to unborn babies as the properties of the compound can also lead to the child being born with deformities.
Fears have been sparked that parents may have already bought the doll, which is supposed to resemble the Duchess of Cambridge as children’s Christmas presents
Officials have voiced concern that children who are unknowingly gifted the toy by parents or relatives may chew the dolls or suck their hands after playing with it.
Other risks include the possibility that it could make the children infertile later in life and is therefore banned in all child-related products.
Regulators have issued a warning about the products containing DEHP, also known as a phthalate, after the dolls were seized in the Czech Republic.
The watchdog announced that the children’s toys were confiscated as they did not abide by the rules concerning toxic chemicals used in products across the EU.
Although many of the Princess Catherine dolls were seized, safety officers are concerned that they didn’t manage to intercept them all and some will still be available to buy.
Chief of product safety at at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, Robert Chantry-Price, told the Star: ‘It is frightening that large quantities of phthalates are still being used in children’s toys, especially as it can cause serious long term consequences to a child’s health.
He said that phthalates can cause problems as they are carinogenic, mutagenic and can cause reproductive issues.
However they are still found in many toys and child care products despite legislation banning these types of toys.
He added: ‘If these toys fall into the hands of young children or babies, it’s more likely they will chew on the plastic and consume the chemicals.
‘Trading standards services are continuously working to tackle this issue but it is vital that consumers remain vigilant too.
Mr Chantry-Price said that parents need to be vigilant when purchasing toys and not just look for deals, buying from reputable shops and checking for the CE mark can avoid buying fake products.