TRADING standards in Devon is warning the public to be on the lookout for the sale of imitation babies' dummies which could be life threatening to babies and young children.
The warning comes after trading standards officers seized a number of these items that were for sale on a market stall at Tavistock Goose Fair last month.
The product looks very similar to a standard dummy but incorporates coloured flashing lights that are activated when a button on the front is pressed and are fitted with a cord enabling the item to go around the neck.
Safety experts have indicated that these dummies can come apart very easily and present a danger to children in three different ways: the small electronic circuit board that enables the dummy to flash is both sharp enough to cut children and presents a choking hazard, the cell batteries would pose a hazard if swallowed individually due to the corrosive chemicals inside them and the long cords present a risk of strangulation.
Devon trading standards say if anyone has bought or been offered any of these items they should contact them on 01392 382818.