Safety Checks For Halloween Costumes

Trading Standards will investigate into the safety of children’s fancy costumes.

19:17 25 September 2015

The Trading Standards will perform spot checks to test flammability of costumes to see if they meet safety standards. The European safety standards will also be assessed to check if they are tough enough.

 

Last year, the daughter of Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman suffered serious burns when her Halloween outfit caught fire.

 

Last year, a total of 94 people in England were admitted to the hospital after their costume ignited or melted. 21 of the victims where children under 18.

 

Business Secretary Sajid Javid, who granted funding for the spot checks, said: "My immediate concern as a father and a minister is that children wearing these fancy dress costumes are safe.

 

"It is unacceptable for any costumes to be sold that do not comply with safety standards...

 

"Parents should feel confident that any fancy dress they buy meets required standards."

 

Trading Standards officials will report their findings later in the autumn.

 

Reacting to the news of the investigation, Claudia Winkleman said: "We're extremely happy the government is taking action on this and we're so grateful to the supermarkets who are selling safer costumes. "