Maidenhead & Windsor

Maidenhead Parents have been warned to take a careful look at their children's lunch boxes and food wrappings, as some may not be suitable for use with food.

As the new school year approaches and school supplies are bought, this is one of the pieces of advice offered by trading standards at the Maidenhead Royal Borough in order to ensure a healthy start for youngsters.

Trading standards have also warned about pens and pencils, some of which may have high levels of potentially dangerous elements, and have provided advice on customers' rights when buying school uniforms.

Greg Nelson, team leader, Maidenhead trading standards, said: "Rushing around buying uniforms and other items for the new school year can be a hectic and frustrating experience. But if parents follow a few simple steps they can ensure the items they buy are of a suitable quality, fit for purpose and, most importantly, safe for their children to use."

In particular Maidenhead trading standards suggest the following:

· When shopping for a lunch box, ensure it carries the official symbol of a wine glass and fork (often embossed on the plastic) which means the lunch box is safe to come into contact with food. If it does not carry the symbol it should still be safe but as a precaution food could be wrapped before placing inside.

· Check cling film is suitable for contact with food as not all of them are, and ensure it is used correctly.

· Pens, pencils, felt tips and crayons should comply, as far as possible, with British Standards for permitted levels of certain elements such as mercury and lead in the colours and the covering paint.

· Children should be discouraged from putting writing implements in their mouths, and care taken that younger siblings don't choke on small items such as pen tops.

Maidenhead Trading standards also highlighted customers' rights when buying school uniforms.

They advised parents should be aware of their statutory rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. If goods are not
· fit for their purpose
· of satisfactory quality, or
· as described
then a consumer is entitled to a full refund, if the fault is brought to the attention of the trader within a reasonable period of time. 'Reasonable time' is defined by the courts and depends on the circumstances.

In terms of a uniform, items should be checked as quickly as possible, preferably within a week. Some shops offer a goodwill policy and extend the length of the time a good can be returned. Shoppers should remember to keep the receipt as proof of purchase.

If a purchaser changes their mind about an item because, for example, it doesn't fit or they bought the wrong item a trader can refuse to refund or exchange it. In these situations the purchaser should negotiate for a credit note.

For second-hand uniforms the rights are the same as for new uniforms. However expectations of the item should be lower, taking into account the price paid.

· For helpful advice on these and other consumer topics visit www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/rbwm and click on 'Consumer Advice'.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead