Harmful chemicals significantly exceeding safety limits have been detected in 6 out of 10 prize items, such as stuffed toys and keychains, distributed at unmanned claw machine arcades.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced the findings after conducting a safety inspection between April and July of 20 types of products distributed at domestic unmanned claw machine arcades across 16 businesses.

Unmanned claw machine arcades have been growing rapidly in popularity as recreational spaces where visitors can directly win various prizes, including stuffed toys, keychains, and stationery.

According to the Consumer Agency's investigation, phthalate plasticizers, lead, and cadmium exceeding the common safety standards for children's products were detected in 12 out of the 20 products inspected, accounting for 60%.

While unmanned claw machine arcades are facilities accessible to all age groups and frequently visited by children, none of the 20 products examined bore safety certification marks or indications of applicable age ranges.

In particular, phthalate plasticizers, which can cause endocrine disruption, were detected at levels up to 347.5 times the legal limit in 9 products.

Lead exceeded the standard by up to 2.7 times in 8 products, and cadmium exceeded the limit by up to 1.23 times in 2 products.

Phthalate plasticizers are substances used to soften plastics and can hinder children's reproductive function and physical development.

Lead and cadmium are classified as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Among the 20 products inspected, 10 lacked manufacturer labels. The remaining 10 featured popular character designs with the brand names of the respective manufacturers displayed. However, upon comparing them with genuine products, the Consumer Agency found clear differences in shape and color, indicating a high likelihood that they are counterfeit goods.

Out of the 10 products suspected of being counterfeits, 8 contained hazardous chemicals exceeding standard limits.

Store facility management was also found to be inadequate. While all 16 businesses surveyed had a floor area of 33 square meters or more, 4 of them (25%) failed to provide fire extinguishers.

Additionally, 2 businesses (12.5%) had broken floor tiles, and 1 left utility knives and gardening shears in a location easily accessible to users.

There were also numerous stores that failed to post required notices or documents, including youth restriction notices (2 stores), safety rules of use (3 stores), and youth game service provider registration certificates (11 stores).

The Korea Consumer Agency plans to share the inspection results and recommendations for improvement with local governments and request relevant ministries to strengthen safety management and supervision over products and facilities circulating in unmanned claw machine arcades.