Consumer Safety Testing

Every day, when consumers around the world purchase products such as cosmetics, food, toys and paints, they assume that these products will be safe when used as intended or under foreseeable conditions of use. This is made possible because each product is carefully evaluated and tested by qualified technicians to ensure that they meet the requirements of the Consumer Protection Act 1987, and the General Product Safety Regulations 1994 and associated legislation.

In order to establish the product's safety, a number of issues must be considered, in particular, the product's:

• Characteristics
• Packaging
• Instructions for assembly and maintenance, use and disposal
• Effect on other products with which it may be used
• Labelling and other consumer information
• Categories of consumers at serious risk when using the product, particularly children

At Butterworth, we have an extensive history of testing products to the appropriate safety standards and methods. Examples of which include:

• Toy Regulations - EN71 Part 3
• Metals in hair dyes
• Hydroquinone in cosmetic creams
• Triclosan in detergents
• Chlorhexadine and fluoride in toothpastes and mouth wash
• Lead in crystal glass - BS2649-3
• Metal release from ceramic ware - BS6748
• Cadmium levels in recycled plastics - BSEN1122
• Aerosol propellants and absence of CFCs