SYDNEY, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 10,000 dangerous toy products have been taken off shelves across Australia's Victoria state in the run-up to the yearend festive gift-giving season, said authorities on Friday.

Choking hazards, projectiles, portable pools and household cots were some of the items seized during 400 business inspections conducted by the state consumer protection agency, according to a government statement.

Parents were urged to take extra care with portable pools to stop children drowning, particularly during the hot summer months in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as to inspect toys for sharp edges, small parts, long cords and weak construction, it said.

"I urge everyone buying gifts this Christmas to always read warning labels and follow the safety instructions," said the state's Minister for Consumer Affairs Marlene Kairouz.

Businesses found with unsafe products can receive 5,000 Australian dollars (3,590 U.S. dollars) on-the-spot fines, while serious and repeat breaches of product safety laws can lead to court action and penalties of 500,000 Australian dollars (359,200 U.S. dollars) for individuals, and 10 million Australian dollars (7.18 million U.S. dollars) for companies, according to the ministry. Enditem

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