'Inside Out' Event Cinemas Cups Recalled; Button Batteries Are Considered ‘Unsafe’

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had decided to publish a voluntary recall of the 15,000 ‘Inside Out’ illuminated cups, sold as part of a promotional activity. The cups were sold at Event Cinemas in NSW, QLD, SA, WA, ACT and NT between 17 June and 12 July 2015.

The ACCC realised the product could be unsafe due to a number of battery related issues – importantly, the button batteries in the lid of the cup could be released because the cover can be opened manually.

The authority also found out another problem with the button batteries, they could be released if the battery cover is not properly in place or if the lid is dropped.

“The ACCC is urging parents and carers to immediately stop using the cup, wrap the lid up and dispose of it in a bin that children cannot access,” ACCC Commissioner Sarah Court said.

“The ACCC is concerned whenever children might swallow any type of button battery. If a toddler or young child swallows a button battery, some types can burn through their oesophagus in just a couple of hours causing serious injury or death.”

“If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately go to a hospital emergency room,” Ms. Court said.

Event Cinema requested the customers to dispose of the flashing light lid immediately after they read this message and return the cup to its place of purchase.

Meanwhile, the company decided to post the remedies online, through media notices or at the purchase location. The Event Cinemas and its importers have supported the ACCC in its move to recall the product immediately.

“The Australian Consumer Law makes suppliers legally responsible for the quality and safety of the goods they sell and companies are expected to be diligent in ensuring safety,” Ms. Court later added.

Further information on button battery safety is available at www.productsafety.gov.au/batterycontrolled

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