Hungry Jack’s Pty Ltd, an Australian fast-food franchise, has incurred penalties totaling $150,240 after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued eight infringement notices for alleged violations of the Australian Consumer Law. The infractions were related to a Garfield toy powered by button batteries that was distributed nationwide without the necessary warnings and information mandated by the button battery information standard.

Between May 20 and May 30, 2024, Hungry Jack’s supplied approximately 27,850 Garfield toys with its children’s meals. Although the toy met the button battery safety standard, it failed to inform consumers that it contained button batteries and did not provide critical warnings about the potential hazards associated with ingestion.

ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe emphasized the dangers posed by button batteries, particularly to young children, noting that there have been serious injuries and fatalities linked to such incidents. The ACCC is committed to enforcing compliance with safety standards to protect vulnerable consumers.

In addition to the penalties, Hungry Jack’s has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking, admitting that the Garfield toy likely did not comply with the button battery information standard. The company has pledged to implement a compliance program aimed at reducing the risk of future breaches of the Australian Consumer Law.

Button batteries are widely used in consumer products, and if ingested, they can cause severe injuries or even death within hours. The ACCC has reiterated the importance of compliance with both safety and information standards, which require child-resistant packaging and secure battery compartments.

Hungry Jack’s has initiated a recall of the Garfield toy, offering consumers a free replacement with a non-battery toy. The ACCC encourages consumers to check for button battery products in their homes and to report any safety concerns.