Why cheap shopping at Temu and Shein can be dangerous – and what does it mean for your pet?

In the world of online shopping, it's easy to succumb to temptation: attractive prices, fast delivery, and colorful product thumbnails from Temu or Shein. Unfortunately, recent European research shows that for many such inexpensive products, a "bargain" can be dangerous.

The PRO-TEST Foundation, in conjunction with Europe's largest consumer organizations, tested 162 products purchased on Temu and Shein. The results are alarming:
110 of the 162 products did not meet EU safety standards.

And although we – as an online store offering only proven, often hand-made premium accessories – ensure safety at every stage, we want to educate pet owners about the serious risks that cheap, unverified products from mass platforms can pose.

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What did the PRO-TEST test show?

Toxic metals in jewelry

Toxic substances were detected in 5 of the 54 metal necklaces tested, including extremely high levels of cadmium , a carcinogenic element.
The most drastic result:
cadmium content 8,500 times above the norm in a necklace bought on Shein.

Dangerous toys

The following have been detected in children's toys:

• detachable elements (choking hazard),

• excess formaldehyde in textiles (up to 164 mg/kg compared to the standard of 30 mg/kg),

• too loud squeaky toys,

• lack of proper markings and false CE mark.

It's worth remembering: the exact same problems apply to many cheap pet toys – especially those that are soft, squeaky, and have sticky parts.

Chargers and electronics - fire hazard

As many as 52 out of 54 USB chargers did not meet EU requirements.
The most serious problems:

• heating up to 88°C (above the permissible 77°C),

• risk of short circuit and melting of the housing,

• impermanence of plugs,

• cracks after a fall.

In a home with a pet – which can tug at cables or bite wires – this threat becomes even greater.

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What does this mean for dog and cat owners?

Animals are curious, often biting, scratching, and exploring the world with their mouths. Cheap, unverified products can be particularly dangerous for them:

• small parts → risk of swallowing or choking,

• cheap textiles → possibility of contact with formaldehyde and other toxins,

• poor quality of workmanship → quick tearing of materials, sharp edges, leakage of filling,

• cheap electronics → risk of overheating and fire in the animal's environment,

• lack of quality control → unsure what's really inside.

That is why it is so important that pet accessories – toys, beds, harnesses, leashes, bowls – come from reliable manufacturers who take a responsible approach to safety.

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Why can you shop with confidence in our store?

Although we operate online, every product in our offer comes from small, Polish handmade brands that use proven materials, have real control over the production process, and create items with attention to detail.

Unlike platforms like Temu or Shein:

• we know our creators,

• we know what materials they use,

• we verify quality and safety,

• we support local manufactures instead of mass factories.

With us, there are no "unknowns." Our products are created with durability, functionality, and above all, your pet's safety in mind.

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PRO-TEST research clearly shows that 2 out of 3 products from Temu and Shein may be dangerous .
This applies to jewelry, toys and electronics.
And when there is a pet in the house, the risk increases even more.

That's why it's worth choosing accessories from places that care about quality, not mass production.
Those that are created consciously, responsibly and with care - just like those you will find in our store.

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Source

PRO-TEST Foundation: "2 out of 3 products from Temu and Shein are dangerous – test"
https://pro-test.pl/testy/2-na-3-produkty-z-temu-i-shein-niebezpieczne-test/