Cyprus authorities were recently alerted to 65 non-food products posing potential health and safety risks, the Consumer Protection Service said on Monday.

The products were identified in the markets of various EU member states before being reported through the European Union’s Safety Gate rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products.

The reported products span a wide range of categories, including toys and childcare items, electrical appliances and equipment, cosmetics, as well as clothing and footwear.

It also includes motor vehicles, personal protective equipment, sports and leisure products, kitchenware, chemicals, furniture, construction products, and fireworks.

The risks identified include drowning, electric shock, fire, burns and injuries, as well as chemical hazards, cutting risks and potential damage to eyesight and hearing.

The Consumer Protection Service acts as Cyprus’ single point of contact for the operation of Safety Gate and has distributed the notifications among the government departments responsible for checking whether any of the products are present on the Cypriot market.

Of the 65 products, 19 were assigned to the Consumer Protection Service, while 15 were referred to the Labour Inspection Department and nine to the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services.

A further eight products were assigned to the Environment Department, seven to the Road Transport Department, and five to the Pharmaceutical Services.

One product each was assigned to the Mines Service and the Ministry of Interior’s Construction Products Sector.

The authorities’ involvement reflects the wide range of risks covered by the Safety Gate system, with potentially dangerous products requiring checks by different specialised government bodies depending on their nature.

The Consumer Protection Service said the products had been found in markets across EU member states and subsequently reported through Safety Gate to alert consumers and facilitate action by national authorities.

Consumers can search the Safety Gate website directly for products reported through the system and check the relevant information before using products that may pose a risk.

The service urged economic operators that currently sell, or have previously sold, any of the identified products to inform the relevant competent authority immediately.

Consumers who have purchased or possess any of the products are likewise urged, where appropriate, to stop using them, return them to the shop from which they were purchased and inform the relevant authority.

The full list of the 65 products and the government authorities responsible for checking them is available through the relevant Consumer Protection Service document.