16 September 2026
Novelty ‘Music Lollipops’ have
entered Fiji’s market and are rapidly gaining popularity
on social media after going viral overseas. However,
following recent observations of the product, the Consumer
Council of Fiji is sounding the alarm on severe safety
hazards it poses, particularly to young children. Parents,
guardians, and consumers are urgently advised to refrain
from purchasing or using these items.
Observational
assessments reveal that the product poses a critical safety
risk due to its internal power source. The lollipop stick
houses a built-in 3.7V Lithium Polymer battery enclosed in a
plastic casing that can easily be opened by children. This
exposes dangerous internal components and small parts to
young users. Lithium polymer batteries present a life
threatening risk if exposed to saliva or ingested, as
chemical leakage or swallowing can cause severe internal
burns, tissue damage, or fatal choking within hours.
Furthermore, if you consider the safety warnings provided on
the product’s own packaging, it becomes immediately clear
that this item is not safe for consumption.
While the
packaging carries an age restriction warning stating that it
is not suitable for children under three years old, the
hazard extends far beyond toddlers. Children even under ten
years old can be seriously harmed because they are naturally
curious; they can easily choke on small parts or bite down
aggressively on the plastic casing, shattering it in their
mouths. Additionally, because this electronic candy relies
on micro-vibrations inside the mouth to play music, there is
simply no telling how these vibrations and electrical
signals might affect developing children, especially younger
ones.
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Emphasizing the urgency of the situation,
Consumer Council of Fiji Chief Executive Officer Seema
Shandil stated, “The safety of our children must take
priority over novel marketing trends. We strongly urge
parents to keep these items away from children, and we
expect traders to act responsibly by thoroughly scrutinizing
the products they import and stock on their
shelves.”
Consumers are strongly advised to stay away
from this product and definitely avoid giving it to children
under any circumstances. If these items are already in your
home, remove them immediately and dispose of them safely out
of reach of minors. At the same time, retailers are strongly
advised to exercise common sense and actively examine the
items they choose to import and sell in their stores.
Businesses must be accountable for the safety of the stock
they place on their shelves.
The Council will be
closely working with relevant enforcement authorities to
determine how this item can be swiftly removed from store
shelves and kept off the market across the country. For any
further enquiries or to lodge complaints, consumers are
urged to contact the Consumer Council on its National
Consumer Helpline 155 (toll free) or email
Complaints@consumersfiji.org.
