11 November 2025
The ingestion of button batteries by children is a growing concern amongst both the public and Government. The Office for Product Safety and Standards is undertaking wide-ranging work to review and improve their safety.
This report considers emerging button battery technologies grouped in three categories:
- bitterant-based and diagnostic methods
- reactive safety technologies
- safe-by-design methods
For each innovation, the report outlines:
- the approach to minimising harm
- the mechanism of physical or chemical action
- the efficacy and effectiveness in reducing harm
- the stage of research and development or commercialisation
For each technology category, the report discusses the current barriers to adoption into the market.
(Source: Office for Product Safety and Standards, 10 November 2025)
For more information on battery safety, please see 'Batteries'.