Shoppers have been warned to stop using anything bought from a new discount shop in Melbourne's south-east because the items could be "dangerous".Consumer Affairs Victoria has issued an "urgent" warning over items from Panda Mart, which opened a branch in Cranbourne over the weekend.It sells everything from homewares to sports gear and beauty products.LIVE UPDATES: Dozens of flights cancelled, cruises docked as cyclone bears down
Shoppers have been warned to stop using anything they bought from a new discount shop, Panda Mart, because they could be "dangerous". (Nine)Police had to be called to control crowds when it opened.But consumer inspectors have visited seized "thousands of products" which they think fail to meet mandatory product safety and information standards, including items that could be dangerous.That includes toys and baby rattles containing button batteries that were "inadequately secured or labelled, which can hurt or kill children".Other products on sale include items which could cause injuries including choking or strangulation, and ones that fail to meet a range of other safety standards, including cosmetics, Consumer Affairs said.
Shoppers have been warned to stop using anything they bought from a new discount shop, because they could be "dangerous". (Nine)Consumer Affairs Victoria Director Nicole Rich said businesses had an obligation to ensure the items they sold met safety standards and did not pose a danger."We know many Victorians are looking for bargains when they're shopping given the cost of living, but they shouldn't have to worry about picking up dangerous products at the same time, especially ones for babies and kids," Rich said."We've responded quickly to take action and remove these products from the shelves – but it's up to businesses to understand the law, and not stock them in the first place."
Panda Mart opened its first store in South Africa more than a decade ago. They have locations in South America, the US and New Zealand. (Nine)Items bought from the shop should not be used and should be returned immediately, officials said.Businesses can be fined up to $50 million, and individuals $2.5 million for selling products that don't meet mandatory safety or information standards.Panda Mart opened its first store in South Africa more than a decade ago.They have locations in South America, the US and New Zealand.They arrived on Australian shores with a discounted catalogue of more than 28,000 homeware products, many of them reportedly sourced from China's wholesale markets.One shopper said it was like cheap internet shop Temu "in real life", with social media users on TikTok also getting excited about the shop.Anyone who needs help can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81