FDA issues warning on unauthorized lato-lato toys
If you’ve been hearing clacking sounds around you through day and night, then you can rest easy. It’s not a ghost, it’s none other than the lato-lato – a toy that’s been all the rage for quite some time now. They’re not only popular among kids, but among adults too.
Like that time when many of us got addicted to fidget spinners, lato-lato toys are getting more and more popular that other variations of the toy started showing up. And because there’s an abundance of these toys, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decided to delve into it.
Due to unauthorized versions of the toy being produced, the FDA issued a public health warning against lato-lato toys for safety measures.
Trending lato-lato
Image credit: hombremagnetico via AUTODESK Instructables
Lato-lato toys have been around for a while. Originated from the US, the toy was initially dubbed “clackers”. It was also referred to as “Newton’s Yo-Yo”. This is because the toy was supposedly made to be an educational aid for learning physics. However, because the balls’ tendency to shatter from the clacking, it was deemed unsafe. Of course, this led to the banning of the toy itself.
Image credit: @jeffersonpalisocsayo via TikTok
Coming from Indonesian TikTok trends, the toy came back and made its way to the Philippines late last year. Now, it’s simply seen as a toy to be played if you’re bored, pretty much like the nostalgic fidget spinner.
And with all the rave it’s getting from these past few weeks, it seems that the lato-lato won’t be going anywhere soon.
FDA advises against unauthorized lato-lato toys
Image credit: FDA Philippines
On 14th June, the FDA issued three advisories against the types of unauthorized lato-lato toys that are being released to the public. According to the FDA, you should avoid purchasing the following variations: lato-lato toys with glow-in-the-dark feature, Pro-Clackers (Lato-Lato with lights), and unlabeled lato-lato.
As these toys show no valid Certificate of Product Notification, the FDA isn’t able to determine their safety as well as their quality. They also reiterated that the toys may contain potential hazards that pose as a health risk to consumers.
Image credit: @kulotskietv16 via TikTok
Given that these toys are sold at easily accessible markets and stores, be sure to check out the FDA’s advisories to assure your safety. To file a report regarding these toys, visit this link to send a report.
Practice safety at all times
As we all know, it’s quite easy to hop on a trend no matter what it is. In this case, the lato-lato has made a name for itself that people of all ages are trying it out. It’s even more popular given that it’s no more than a couple of pesos and can be seen almost anywhere.
While most of us are curious about these unauthorized variations of the toy, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if it involves children. The original lato-lato can, no doubt, cure your boredom all the same.
For more current affairs in the Philippines, check out The Smart Local Philippines.
Cover image adapted from: @kulotskietv16, @kulotskietv16 via TikTok, Shopee
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