Issue Date:  -  Friday, 5 August 2005

Musical birthday candles could incinerate homes

Samples of imported novelty candles that play the music to ‘happy birthday’, found by Australian Customs in a sea container, have been handed to Consumer Protection Product Safety Officers for testing.

The wax candles have multiple wicks surrounding a central flower feature atop a plastic musical box-type housing.

“While testing one of these items, we found that the wicks quickly burned down, igniting the body of the flower feature prior to the entire music playing apparatus catching fire and melting into a molten blob”, Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“We are most concerned that these colourful and harmless looking items could seriously burn a child or set fire to table cloths, napkins and furniture”, he said.

Product Safety Officers have been despatched to check unconfirmed reports that these candles are on sale at weekend markets.

“We have commenced an investigation into this particular consignment and will interview the importer who brought the goods in from China, to help us ascertain if there are any other supplies we need to be concerned about”, Mr Walker said.

“We particularly appreciate the assistance of Australian Customs. By recognising the potential hazard and referring it to our Product Safety Officers, they have helped us ensure that this very dangerous product is not widely distributed.”

These candles contravene an Order under the Consumer Affairs Act that prohibits the sale of candlesticks and candleholders that will not withstand the heat or flame of a candle without igniting or melting.

Consumers finding these candles for sale in shops or at markets should contact Consumer Protection immediately on telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.