The National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority urges caution during the Carnival holidays

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 02. 10. 11:19

The National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH) is warning against excessive use of masks, wigs and costumes during the carnival season. Last year, 20 of the 37 costumes, masks and wigs tested did not meet the standard requirements, meaning that 54 percent of the products were found to have defects during laboratory testing, the authority warned in a statement sent to MTI on Monday.

The statement highlighted that in addition to official action, consumer awareness is also important for prevention.

The authority recommended that parents carefully choose their child’s costumes, as they are typically made of synthetic materials, such as polyester, which can be dangerous in certain cases.

The manufacturer must provide information on the production and materials of the products, and it must be indicated on the product, the statement said.

In order to protect Hungarian families, the National Trade and Consumer Protection Authority (NKFH) pays special attention to the inspection of seasonal product ranges during the carnival period, and takes decisive action if it finds any deficiencies. In the case of an unsafe product, government agencies under the professional guidance of the NKFH take measures to withdraw or recall the product from the market.

The announcement also mentioned that flexible masks should not stick to the face and should not make breathing difficult. Ventilation surfaces must be properly designed so that the product does not pose a suffocation risk. Masks and helmets made of opaque material that completely enclose the head must have at least two openings at least 150 millimeters apart, or a single properly designed opening with at least 1,300 square millimeters of ventilation surface to avoid the risk of suffocation.