Kmart faces Federal Court action over OXX nail glue burns and Anko watches containing button batteries
The retail giant is facing legal action over products sold to millions of Aussies, with some customers reporting suffering horrific injuries requiring hospitalisation and skin grafts.
Kmart is facing Federal Court action over allegations it sold millions of bottles of nail glue linked to serious burns and thousands of watches containing potentially deadly button batteries that failed to meet mandatory safety standards.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched legal proceedings against the retail giant, accusing it of exposing shoppers, including young children, to serious safety risks.
The consumer watchdog alleges Kmart continued selling its home-brand OXX cosmetic nail glue without adequate warnings despite receiving reports of customers suffering severe burns, some requiring hospital treatment and skin grafts.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The glue, which was sold individually and in packs with false nails, can cause burns when it comes into contact with fabrics such as clothing, tissues and wipes.
According to the ACCC, customers reported injuries between August 2017 and December 2024, with some also reporting chemical reactions and smoke while using the product.
Despite being aware of the potential dangers, Kmart allegedly failed to warn shoppers about the risk until December 2024.
“We consider that Kmart’s failure to warn consumers of the risk of burns after receiving numerous consumer reports of burn injuries associated with the use of the nail glue exposed consumers to an ongoing risk of serious injury,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.
“It was important for Kmart to address this, once it was made aware of these serious product safety concerns.”
The ACCC is also taking action over about 64,000 Anko watches sold between June 2022 and November 2024.
The watches, including two models of children’s digital watches and seven analogue models, contained button batteries but were allegedly not tested to ensure their battery compartments could not be opened by young children.
“These watches contained button batteries, but Kmart did not test them prior to supply to show that young children could not open the battery compartments,” Ms Lowe said.
“This is despite many of the watches being specifically designed for children.”
Button batteries can cause severe internal injuries or death if swallowed, with three children in Australia having died after ingesting them.
The ACCC warned that serious or fatal injuries can occur within two hours if a battery is swallowed or inserted into the body.
The watchdog also alleges Kmart sold more than 800 Anko Smart Tags, which are GPS tracking devices, without all the safety warnings required under Australian law.
The products were recalled in 2024 following intervention by the ACCC.
“Kmart sold millions of units of some of these products, each posing a potential danger to consumers, including young children,” Ms Lowe said.
“We will allege Kmart’s conduct showed serious compliance failures which exposed the public to a significant risk of product safety harm.
“Button batteries are potentially deadly to young children if swallowed or inserted. We expect all businesses, especially large retailers like Kmart, to have consumer safety front of mind.”
The ACCC is seeking financial penalties, declarations, legal costs and other court orders.
Kmart, which is owned by Wesfarmers, operates more than 320 stores across Australia and New Zealand.
Parents and carers are urged to seek immediate medical attention if they suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery.
The Nightly has reached out to Kmart for comment.
