Labour MEP Glenis Willmott has issued a warning to anyone buying Christmas lights this year, following the discovery of potentially dangerous products on the market.

She said.  “It’s the time of year when we’re either looking to buy new lights, or replacing existing ones.   But buyers should beware.   Safety operations tests recently carried out by the European Commission showed that 30% out of nearly 200 products tested failed to meet European safety standards.”

Glenis advised.  “Anyone looking to buy new lights should double check for the CE mark to make sure they’re not putting themselves and their family in danger.  The approved CE mark on the packaging or labelling is proof that the product has met European consumer safety standards.”

“The majority of the products highlighted by the survey failed due to risks associated with electric shocks and fire safety, and all have now been withdrawn from the market.   The tests and the subsequent banning of these products are yet further examples of the EU putting consumer safety first.”

3 December 2009