As the Holiday Season arrives, an environmental group has urged authorities to stop the sale of Naruto (anime) weapons, plastic balisong (butterfly knife), and other pointed toys that could result in cuts and lacerations and even eye injuries among kids.

“We find it very concerning to see toys with sharp edges and points sold cheaply in the vicinity of our schools as if these are perfectly safe for young children to handle and play with,” said Ecowaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero.

“Playing with plastic balisong and similar toys may result in accidental cuts, lacerations, and eye injuries requiring first aid treatment and, in worst cases, a visit to an emergency ward,” she added.

With this, she called on the authorities to step up and do something to protect the children.

“Local government, health and police authorities should stop the sale of these toys and not wait for accidents and injuries involving young children to happen,” she urged.

In 2016, personnel from the Manila City Government confiscated plastic balisong being sold by toy dealers for posing safety hazards, the group recalled.

The EcoWaste Coalition is particularly concerned with the sale of plastic balisong, knives, and ninja weapons, including kunai (daggers), shuriken (throwing stars), and tanto (swords) with sharp edges. These toys are sold by retailers near private and public elementary schools, wholesalers in Binondo, Manila, and by online toy dealers, it was noted.

Moreover, being sold without the required Certificate of Product Notification issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the toys are also not compliant with the mandatory labeling requirements under Republic Act 10620 or the Toy and Game Safety Labeling Act; including the manufacturer’s or distributor’s markings, age grading, and cautionary statements or warnings.

The FDA warned that the use of unnotified toys and childcare articles, which have not gone through the agency’s notification process, may pose health risks to consumers.