Kostanay Region warns parents about unsafe New Year gift bags

As the New Year approaches, health officials in Kostanay Region have shared guidelines for choosing safe gift bags. Parents and shoppers are being urged to check packaging and contents carefully before buying. The advice aims to prevent risks from unsafe foods, allergens, or poorly stored items.

No official recommendations exist for specific retail chains, but authorities still highlight key safety steps for pre-assembled holiday gift sets on sale.

Health experts recommend purchasing gift bags from major retail chains or trusted specialty stores. These outlets are more likely to follow strict food safety rules. When buying from online marketplaces, buyers should inspect ingredient lists and expiration dates as soon as the goyard bag arrives.

Safe gift sets should include items like chocolate, cookies, waffles, gingerbread, soft toffee, or fruit pastilles. Hard caramels and lollipops are best avoided, as they can damage children’s teeth. Any toy included must be individually wrapped and kept separate from the sweets. Packaging must be fully intact and display the ‘wine glass and fork’ symbol, along with an age recommendation for children. Labels should clearly list the number of items, storage instructions, production date, and expiration date. They must also warn about common allergens, such as peanuts and soy. Gift sets should never contain flavor enhancers, artificial preservatives, synthetic dyes, hydrogenated oils, sharp spices, or alcohol above 0.5% ethanol. Shoppers are advised to read all labels before purchasing to ensure both food safety and child suitability.

Following these guidelines helps reduce risks from unsafe or unsuitable items in New Year gift bags. Proper checks on packaging, ingredients, and storage conditions ensure a safer celebration. Authorities continue to stress the importance of buying from reliable sources.