The Wiggles company admits 'likely' law breach over Emma headband

Entertainment giant The Wiggles will devote an episode of their popular podcast to discussing the dangers of button batteries, after the company admitted it likely breached Australian consumer law, the national watchdog says. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said The Wiggles Holdings had sold Emma Bow headbands without the mandatory safety warnings required for products containing button batteries. The ACCC said the headband, coloured yellow and black and bearing four flashing lights, was sold without the mandatory warnings between June 2022 and March 2024. READ MORE: Cane toads 'on track' to reach WA's Pilbara region within 10 to 20 years It has since been recalled by The Wiggles and by importer and distributor CA Australia. "The Emma Bow was aimed for children's use and was available at The Wiggles' live concerts. It was also sold by other suppliers on The Wiggles online store and through various physical retail stores" ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said. "Without a warning on the product, parents may not have known it contained button batteries and not understood the severity of the risk. READ MORE: Jury still out on deposit scheme stoking rise in property prices "If swallowed, a button battery can become stuck in a child's throat and result in catastrophic injuries, and even death, in as little as two hours." The Wiggles has provided the ACCC with a court-enforceable undertaking in which it admitted it likely breached the law and has committed to implementing a consumer law compliance program within its organisation. CA Australia has also provided a written commitment to the ACCC to improve its consumer law compliance. As part of its cooperation with the ACCC, The Wiggles will also produce an episode of its podcast, "Wiggle Talk - A Podcast For Parents", which will refer to the recall and will discuss safety issues relating to button batteries and children's toys to help raise awareness. 9news.com.au has contacted The Wiggles for comment. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.