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Dr Duncan McFetridge MP
SYRINGE LOLLIES MUST BE BANNED Liberal Consumer Affairs spokesman Duncan McFetridge has demanded the immediate recall of a lolly that resembles a blood-filled syringe being sold in Port Lincoln shops. Dr McFetridge said the sale of the “Freekee Drops” lollies – which are shaped like syringes and have pictures of a “freekee” user frothing at the mouth with bulging eyes – was totally irresponsible. He called on Consumer Affairs Minister to immediately ban the products, which are sold in confectionery stores and delis in Port Lincoln, and possibly elsewhere in the State. “The local member, Liz Penfold was initially contacted by a parent from Port Lincoln who was concerned that her children had purchased one of these lollies that resembles a blood-filled syringe. “Mrs Penfold brought this important issue to my attention and the Minister for Consumer Affairs Karlene Maywald,” he said. “Exposure to these products sends an extremely dangerous message to young children about the use of intravenous drugs, such as heroin,” Dr McFetridge said. “I fear these lollies could encourage young South Australians to pick up used syringes in the street, thinking they are harmless, because they have been desensitised to the extreme danger of used syringes by the sale of this product.” Dr McFetridge said drug use was already a significant problem in South Australia. “Drug use in South Australia is a serious issue and a product like this certainly does not help to promote an anti-drug message,” he said. “The confectionery has already been banned in other states and in other parts of the world. South Australia must follow suit immediately.
“Consumer Affairs Minister Karlene Maywald must take immediate action to
make sure these lollies are taken off the shelf. The argument that the
lolly and its packaging are not themselves dangerous is totally
unacceptable.” |
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