Amber teething beads prohibited over choking fears

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Teething jewellery which is potentially life-threatening for babies has been prohibited from sale in Ireland.

Amber bead products are increasingly being d and sold across Europe as teething aids in the form of necklaces, bracelets and anklets.

However, the Irish consumer watchdog has determined that these products pose serious risks to babies and small children, including a potential for strangulation and choking.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CC) has now stopped the sale and marketing of the beads as products for small children in a number of Irish retailers.

The beads can still be sold as long as they are marketed as for adults or older children.

Acting on consumer reports, CC product-safety experts approached multiple distributors across Ireland and are requiring them to remove all amber teething jewellery from sale, both instore and online.

As part of the investigation, the CC also worked closely with the HSE to provide up-to-date information on amber teething jewellery to businesses.

It is also working with other European product-safety authorities to track down companies supplying these products to Ireland.

Grainne Griffin, CC director of communications, asked the public to remain vigilant and the watchdog if they see these teething beads, or other potential hazards, being d for use with children.

She warned: “While teething can be a distressing and often exhausting time for parents and children alike, this dangerous jewellery is not a remedy, it’s a risk.

“Amber teething jewellery can come apart in a baby’s mouth causing the baby to choke or to swallow the beads.

“Also, as with any cords around a baby or child’s neck, there is a risk of strangulation.”

Dr Abigail Collins, HSE national clinical lead Child Health Public Health, added: “Not only is there a strangulation and choking risk, there is no convincing evidence to claims that amber teething jewellery provides pain relief.

“It can be upsetting for parents to see babies and young children in discomfort from teething.

“Depending on their age and stage, you can use teething rings, sugar-free teething gel or cold water and healthy foods to chew on.

“It’s vital to never put any kind of cord, string or chain around a baby’s neck, and to keep small objects like beads away from babies and small children.”