Hungry Jack’s has been penalised $150,240 following eight infringement notices issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The fines were levied due to the fast-food chain’s distribution of a children’s toy powered by button batteries without the mandatory safety warnings prescribed by national standards.
The specific item in question was a Garfield toy, which was included in children’s meals sold across Australia between May 20 and May 30, 2024, amounting to a total of 27,850 units sold. While the toy adhered to existing safety standards for button batteries, it lacked crucial consumer notifications about its battery content, the associated risks, and guidance on actions to take if a child ingested one.
ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe stressed the dangers posed by button batteries, highlighting that they can be fatal for young children if swallowed. She noted that the commission continues to observe non-compliant products still available on the market, which create unacceptable safety risks for vulnerable kids.
In response to the issue, the ACCC announced that Hungry Jack’s has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking admitting the shortcomings concerning the Garfield toy’s compliance with the button battery information standard. This undertaking will involve the implementation of a compliance program aimed at preventing future violations of Australian consumer laws.
Hungry Jack’s has acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, with their spokesperson indicating the company’s commitment to adhering to safety standards and cooperating fully with regulatory requirements to protect consumers.