Source of video: 1:00 p.m. JT RTL iTV on 11/12/2010.
text source: Belga on 11/12/2010.
The foam mat puzzle banned from sale.
The Minister of Consumer Protection Paul Magnette has ordered the removal of carpet-puzzle market after noting that they contained too many particles harmful carcinogens, including formamide.
This is not the first time that Paul Magnette take such measures. In 2009, he had already done so, following an investigation by Test-Achats to similar conclusions.
The minister has just received the results of tests carried out by departments in charge of product safety at the Ministry of Economy.
"Despite the measures taken last year to condition the marketing of such products, the results show that almost all carpet sold emit excessive levels of harmful particles, including formamide" , said in a statement his office released late Friday afternoon.
The checks will continue
Those who continue to sell risk a fine of up to 20,000 euros, said the minister's office. Paul Magnette has instructed his administration to take all necessary measures to ensure the withdrawal.
Moreover, henceforth, to a carpet-puzzle can be put on the market, the manufacturer will be obliged to prove, by the introduction of a technical dossier that the product contains no traces of harmful substances. The possible reintroduction of this type of toy on the market may be on a case by case, said the firm of Paul Magnette.
The minister also asked his administration continued checks at distributors.
The Belgian decision similar to that taken by France and Denmark, which had unilaterally decided to ban the manufacture and sale of baby bottles containing bisphenol A, a controversial chemical used in plastics manufacturing food, before the all the EU countries decide to do the same on November 25.