The Christmas season is synonymous with consumer activity, with significant attention given to festive preparations such as buying toys and food for the family table. However, selecting toys comes with challenges related to safety and quality.
Based on international standards and recommendations, consumers are advised to adopt a careful and informed approach when shopping, focusing on the following:
Safety Certifications
Check toy labeling for certifications. The CE marking indicates compliance with European safety requirements and should be visible and permanent on all toys.
Consider whether the toy has additional certifications from independent organizations with strict safety standards, such as ASTM International, while toys for children over the age of three should display age restriction warnings and not be used by younger children due to choking hazards.
Material Composition
Avoid toys made from PVC or containing phthalates. In Greece, the production and sale of soft teething toys made of PVC for children under three are prohibited.
Consumers should be wary of toxic chemicals that could harm children through contact or inhalation.
Quality and Origin
Choose toys from reputable manufacturers and reliable stores. Avoid purchasing from street vendors without proper licenses, as such toys are more likely to lack safety compliance.
Receipts and Product Returns
For online purchases, consumers have the right to return products within 14 calendar days of purchase if they decide to do so or in case of defect. Thus consumers are advised to keep purchase receipts as proof for returns or refunds.
Food Choices for the Christmas Dinner Table
Selecting food for the festive table requires careful consideration to ensure both consumer health and product quality:
Fresh and Quality Products
Consumers are advised to opt for organic products and check labels for packaging and expiration dates. Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables for better freshness and affordability.
Meat Selection
Fresh meat must be refrigerated between +2°C and +5°C, while frozen meat must be stored at –18°C or lower. Never purchase unrefrigerated meat.
Verify the meat’s origin through point-of-sale signage and labels. Look for health inspection stamps to ensure veterinary checks have been conducted.
Packaged and Frozen Foods
Carefully read labels on packaged foods for ingredients, expiration dates, and origin. Avoid products with excessive additives or artificial coloring. Check for intact packaging to ensure no contamination, while make sure to promptly transfer purchases to your home freezer.
When buying packaged cheeses make sure it displays an identification stamp indicating the country of production and the manufacturer’s approval number.
