Parents in Western Australia have been warned to check battery-powered Halloween toys after research discovered ‘widespread safety failures’.

A state government investigation into a range of festive products sold by six major online retailers has raised concerns about their risk to children.

The research by the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety examined 49 button-battery-powered toys.

These included costume accessories, skeleton candlesticks, spider tea lights, pumpkin tote bags and flashing finger rings.

However, the department found only three of the items met the requirements of mandatory safety and information standards.

It said up to 80 per cent of the toys had unsecured battery compartments, posing a risk to young children due to easy access to batteries.

In one case, button batteries became dislodged from a Halloween light during transit and were discovered loose inside the packaging upon delivery. 

Almost all of the toys were missing mandatory warning labels, alerting consumers to the presence of button batteries, which can cause life-threatening injuries if swallowed.

WA Commerce Minister Tony Buti confirmed the six websites, which have not been named, have removed the non-compliant products.

‘These findings show hidden hazards are continuing to find their way onto online marketplaces,’ he said.

‘Consumers need to be extra vigilant when buying children Halloween products online. 

‘While we cannot actively regulate the safety of every product arriving in WA, we can help educate consumers on detecting unsafe items this Halloween.

‘I encourage everyone embracing this tradition to check the Consumer Protection website for safety tips.’

Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake warned ABC News that three children had died in Australia after ingesting a button battery.

‘But many, many, many more children are now suffering lifelong requirements for surgery and medical issues because what happens is, when they swallow those button batteries in their oesophagus, it burns the tissue,’ she said. 

‘It’s just incredibly dangerous and horrifying.’ 

Ms Blake said inspectors are also visiting bricks-and-mortar stores to ensure all products sold are safe, but has urged people in WA to shop locally.

‘If you are thinking about splashing out on Halloween, visit our local bricks-and-mortar stores, the local traders — they’re working really hard,’ she said.

‘Know that you have a much higher chance of compliant products being available and safe products being sold to you.’