A routine Trading Standards inspection by Manchester City Council has led to the prosecution of Vavachi Ltd, a business found selling potentially toxic jewellery. The inspection, conducted on 16 January 2020, uncovered alarming levels of harmful substances in children's jewellery sets and earrings.
Dangerous Levels of Cadmium and Lead
During the inspection, officers took samples of the products for analysis. Tests revealed that a children's jewellery set contained over 6,000 times the legal limit of Cadmium, a carcinogenic element. Additionally, a pair of earrings was found to have more than 3,000 times the permissible amount of lead, a toxic metal harmful to humans with prolonged exposure.
Immediate Action Taken by Trading Standards
Following the examination results, Trading Standards officials returned to Vavachi Ltd on February 7, 2020, and seized the remaining stock, which included 277 items of jewellery. This decisive action prevented further sales of these hazardous items.
Court Hearing and Sentencing
At a hearing on Thursday, 22 September 2022, at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, Vavachi Ltd and its director, Amindin Ataier pleaded guilty to three offences under the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) Enforcement Regulations 2008.
Penalties Imposed
The court ordered Vavachi Ltd to pay a fine of £1,998, additional costs of £1,000, and a surcharge of £66. Amindin Ataie received a 12-month community order, requiring 100 hours of unpaid work, and was also ordered to pay costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £161.
Council’s Response to the Prosecution
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, commented on the case:
“This prosecution highlights just how important our inspections of city traders can be. While the vast majority trade ethically and within the law, in cases like this it shows that our diligence pays off. Safety regulations are in place for a good reason, and I am pleased we’ve been able to take these dangerous products out of circulation. As ever, I am incredibly grateful for the hard work of our Trading Standards officers and legal team.”
This case underscores the critical role of Trading Standards inspections in protecting public health and safety by ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
