Over 300 showbags undergo safety inspections ahead of Ekka 2025

Ahead of Brisbane's Ekka opening on 9th August, 310 showbags have undergone safety inspections with the Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) inspectors assessing the contents and paying careful attention to button batteries, projectile toys, cosmetics and sunglasses.

Ekka showbags have evolved significantly since 1876, when the very first bag contained just coal. This year showgoers now have a selection of more than 400 to choose from.

During pre-Ekka compliance checks only a small number of items were found that did not comply with consumer safety law.

Just three cosmetic products were found without the correct labelling of ingredients, as well as one pair of sunglasses found to be missing required UV labelling, which is required under Australian consumer law at the point of sale.

All issues have now been rectified by suppliers.

OFT inspectors will continue to be present during the Ekka to recheck the showbags, examine prizes at sideshow alley and assess products from stallholders.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington thanked Ekka vendors and showbag suppliers for ensuring the safety of their products.

Attorney-General Frecklington noted "whether its all-time classics like the Bertie Beetle bag or any of the showbags on offer, Ekka showbags are a tradition that brings joy to young and old.

"It was great to see just a few non-compliant products that were quickly rectified.

"While parents and carers should of course remain alert about their selection of showbags and prizes, they can be confident every effort has been made to ensure compliance with consumer safety laws."

The 2025 Ekka runs from Saturday 9th to Sunday 17th August.