Halloween alien mask and vampire teeth banned from going on sale after being found to be dangerous in Hampshire trading standards tests
The items were tested before hitting the shelves - and so won’t go on sale
A warning has been sent out about Halloween costumes and props which have been stopped from going on sale in the UK after tests from Hampshire trading standards officers.
The alien mask and set of plastic vampire teeth were spotted at an inland clearance centre and then tested by Hampshire County Council’s Scientific Services laboratory.
The moulded mask failed safety testing because of a lack of ventilation, which meant it could have suffocated wearers.
The teeth set contained small parts, which given that they were meant to be placed in the mouth were a potential choking hazard, and so did not comply with relevant UK safety standards.
The items have been stopped and recorded on the UK Government’s Product Safety Database. Details of the products will also be published through product safety notices, helping to alert consumers and other enforcement authorities to the potential risks.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader and executive member for universal services, said: “As excitement builds for spooky costumes and trick-or-treating, it’s important to keep safety in mind, particularly when buying products for children.
“The discovery of safety issues with these two products by our trading standards team shows why consumers should stay alert, look for the UKCA marking where required, and buy from trusted retailers. This is another example of the valuable work our trading standards officers do every day to prevent potentially harmful goods from reaching consumers, helping to protect Hampshire residents.”
Trading standards have issued tips for staying safe at Halloween, which include to
- Check costume labels – Children’s costumes, face paints, wigs, and masks should carry a UKCA or CE mark to show they meet safety standards. Avoid counterfeit or unlabelled items.
- Keep clothing away from naked flames at all times.
- Shop smart online – Stick to trusted retailers when buying Halloween outfits or accessories online.
- Secure button batteries – Products like battery-operated tealights must have child-safe battery compartments. Button batteries can cause serious internal injuries if swallowed.
- Check treats carefully – Make sure sweets are age-appropriate and safe for children with allergies. Always read packaging for allergy information.
- Stay informed – Keep an eye on the latest safety alerts and product recalls on the UK government’s Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls page.
- Be visible when trick-or-treating’ – Wear colourful costumes, carry torches, and have someone in your group wear a hi-vis vest. Keep children off the road and hold their hand when crossing.
Anyone who suspects a product is unsafe can report it to trading standards via Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or online. For more information on the work of Hampshire County Council’s Trading Standards, visit: www.hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards/consumeradvice