Issue Date:  -  Monday, 1 May 2006

Fake tongue stud banned - Victim inhaled stud and required emergency surgery

The Consumer Protection Commissioner has issued a Prohibition Order against selling the ‘No Holes Tongue Stud’ and similar products.

The No Holes Tongue Stud is a single bead-like object with an opening on one side which creates a vacuum and sticks to the top of the tongue, simulating a tongue stud but without the need for piercing.

“Late last year in New Zealand a nine year old girl was using one of these objects when she was hit from behind, causing her to inhale the object,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“Inhalation of this type of object can be life threatening and, although the product’s packaging carries a number of warnings, the risk to WA consumers is too great. The fake tongue studs have been banned from sale in this state.

“Banning these items in WA complements a Commonwealth Unsafe Goods Notice,” he said.

Consumer Protection’s Product Safety Officers found that the items have been on sale in jewellery stores, body piecing shops and beauty salons ranging in price from $5 to $10.

Recent checks indicate that these outlets have since ceased carrying the items.

“We remain concerned as they are still being offered for sale on the Internet, but our investigators are continuing their efforts with Internet suppliers as well as other Consumer Protection agencies around the country to stop supply,” Commissioner Walker said.

Consumers, and in particular parents of young children, are strongly warned against using these items if they already have them. Any purchases made after 21 April 2006 should be returned to the shop for a refund.

Consumers encountering difficulty with obtaining refunds or requiring further assistance should contact Consumer Protection on telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au  .