WIREDGOV

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'.