Incorrect weight

Q. I have three children aged three to seven years old. How can I ensure their safety when buying toys for them? Are there safety standards that toy makers are required to follow?

A.As a rule of thumb, parents should avoid buying toys with sharp edges and parts that may be swallowed by children, especially those under five years old. Also avoid toys that are susceptible to flame.

When buying imported toys, look for the following markings on their boxes or packages:

* CE mark – a European safety and quality standard mark

* Age rating – indicates the age of a child whom the manufacturer feels can use the toy safely

* Warnings – safety guidelines to be followed

* Lion mark – carried by members of the British Toy and Hobby Association to show that they have met all current safety standards.

The DTI-Bureau of Product Standards has a set a quality and safety standards for locally manufactured toys but these are not mandatory.

Q. Last April, I noticed that the price of corned beef increased in spite of DTI’s pronouncement that prices of basic commodities would remain stable. Please comment.

A. In our May 27, 2002 monitoring report, the price of corned beef rolled back from P16.40 from P20 in April. April’s increase was due to the depreciation of the peso against the dollar, which caused the temporary increase in the production cost of commodities with imported raw materials.

The prevailing prices of basic goods – or those found in public markets and supermarkets monitored by the DTI – have remained stable for the past year.

Under the Price Act (RA 7394), the National Price Coordinating Council coordinates and monitors government’s price stabilization program. Traders and retailers who unreasonably increase prices of basic commodities face imprisonment of up to 15 years and/or a fine of between P5,000 and P2 million.

Q. I am a young housewife with a small sari-sari store in our home. I buy all the stocks for my store in the nearby market. The other day, I bought 10 packs of white sugar in one-kilo bags. When I got home, I weighed one of the bags and it was a couple of pounds short. I do not want to be accused of short-changing my customers. As I didn’t have time to go back to the market that day to complain, I decided to let it go. However, I need to know what to do next time I buy stuff with inaccuracies and deficiencies in indicated weight or content.

A. The next time you have the same problem, immediately report the seller to the market administrator. If you happen to encounter the problem in the grocery, file a complaint with the consumer welfare desk which can found within the store.

(You may send your consumer complaints and comments to the Bureau of Trade Regulation and Consumer Protection, DTI Bldg., Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City. DTI’s consumer hotlines are 896-5740 or 890-4932 and www.e-reklamo.net.ph)