Victoria's annual 'toy crush' takes place

Consumer Affairs Victoria's annual "toy crush" took place on Friday (November 29) - a timely reminder for all business owners to make sure their products aren't jeopardising consumers' safety this holiday season.

Each year, a team of product safety inspectors conducts an "extensive inspection program" throughout Victoria, looking for products that might put consumers at risk and making sure they're removed from the shelves.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Heidi Victoria revealed a total of 26,500 toys were taken away and destroyed in 2013.

These included projectile toys (which could harm children's eyes), toys containing lead and other poisonous elements, toys marketed at children under three years old that were a choking hazard and even "toy-like novelty cigarette lighters".

"The toys being destroyed ... failed to meet the safety standards that exist for a very good reason- the health and wellbeing of Victorian children," said Ms Victoria in a November 29 statement.

"It is a priority of Consumer Affairs Victoria to remove any products that put consumers at risk. This should send a clear warning to manufacturers and retailers that unsafe goods will not be tolerated."

Ms Victoria explained that toy sales around the country "skyrocket" at this time of year, so it's important that both consumers and business owners stay vigilant and comply with safety standards.

If you're a business owner and fail to comply with safety standards, you could be looking at a fine of up to $220,000 (as an individual) or even $1.1 million (as a corporation) under Australian Consumer Law.

That's why having a comprehensive business insurance policy that includes business liability insurance is so important - it could mean the difference between having to close your doors temporarily over the holiday season and having to close them for good.