The Halloween costume safety controversy continues as Claudia Winkleman comments on a recent investigation into flammability.
The investigation, which was published by Sun Online last week, revealed how quickly a number of different Halloween costumes caught fire and how long they burnt for.
Some of the costumes – which were all sourced from the UK’s major supermarkets – burst into flames in a matter of seconds, while others proved almost impossible to set alight.
Claudia said: “I’m pleased to hear about the new guidelines the BRC have brought in and applaud all retailers who choose to follow them. But as these guidelines are only voluntary, they are only a first step and there is still a way to go on this issue.”
Claudia’s call for further action comes three years after her daughter suffered life-changing burn injuries while trick or treating.
She went on to warn that: “As long as children’s fancy dress costumes continue to be categorised as toys and not clothing in law, then parents must remain vigilant. I sincerely hope that the government continues to push for these guidelines to be made a legal requirement.”
However, many consumers – including Claudia – are under the impression that if costumes were categorised as clothing, then they would be subject to tighter controls.
In fact, the opposite is true, as Rubie’s vp for EMEA and Australia Chris Isitt explained: “The issue remains of course that the press will focus on dress-up being tested ‘only’ to toy standards as opposed to nightwear, but then conveniently forget that most other childrenswear is not subjected to any sort of testing.”
He concluded: “The more important message is ‘Don’t let your children play near naked flames.'”
