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Flemington market stall operator fined for selling dodgy toys

FLEMINGTON MARKET STALL OPERATOR FINED FOR SELLING DODGY TOYS

A Redfern businessman with stalls at Paddy’s Markets in Flemington has been fined $24,000 for selling dangerous toys, Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.

Ming Ying Lam, 69, was sentenced in Parramatta Local Court for supplying consumer goods that did not meet proper safety standards under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Fair Trading inspectors found a number of toys on offer at the stalls presented a choking hazard.

Mr Kean said the ACL is designed to protect children from toys that pose a risk of injury, or even death.

“Parents should have the confidence to walk into any market stall or shop knowing that dangerous goods are not offered for sale,” Mr Kean said.

“Frustratingly, this is not the first time this operator has come to the attention of Fair Trading.

“Lam has been issued with warning letters, infringement notices, and has previously been convicted of eight offences under the ACL for selling non-compliant toys.”

Mr Kean said the most recent inspections found four toys that did not meet safety standards.

“Three of the toys broke apart during testing, all four failed to secure the battery compartments, and each presented a serious choking hazard,” Mr Kean said.

“This behaviour is totally unacceptable, and I hope this decision serves as a firm reminder that shortcuts on safety will not be tolerated.”

NSW Fair Trading conducts regular inspections of market stalls to ensure products are safe and compliant, including an annual toy safety inspection program in the lead up to Christmas.

Lam has the right to lodge an appeal.