ACCC sues Kmart over nail glue burns and untested children's watches
Consumer watchdog alleges Kmart sold millions of bottles of nail glue that caused serious burns, and watches with untested button batteries.
The ACCC has taken Kmart to Federal Court in Victoria. The watchdog alleges the retailer sold millions of bottles of nail glue without warning consumers of serious burns.
Between August 2017 and December 2024, at least 51 consumers complained to Kmart about skin burns. At least 33 cases involved the glue reacting with fabric.
Some complaints described heat and smoke from chemical reactions. These caused burns that needed medical care, hospital stays and skin grafts.
Kmart received photos and reports from customers but allegedly did not add adequate warnings. The ACCC also accuses Kmart of selling about 64,000 button-battery watches for children.
They were not tested to see if young children could open the battery compartments. The retailer also supplied GPS tracking devices without mandatory battery safety information.
- August 2017 to December 2024
- Complaint period
- At least 51
- Total complaints
- At least 33
- Fabric-related burns
- About 64,000
- Children's watches sold
Why it mattersThe case tests whether large retailers must act on safety complaints and adequately warn consumers, and sets a standard for product safety obligations across the retail sector.
AustraliaAustralian families shopping at Kmart may have purchased these products; the case could lead to clearer safety labelling requirements for all retailers selling similar items.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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