Parents often buy squishy toys because they are colorful, soft, and fun to squeeze, making them a favorite with children of all ages. However, recent safety concerns have reminded families that not every toy on the market meets the same standards. Consumer protection officials are encouraging parents to take a closer look at the toys their children use, especially products that have an unusually strong chemical smell or lack clear safety information. Authorities say these warning signs should never be ignored, as they may indicate that a product has not been properly tested or manufactured.
The latest concerns come after several investigations into imitation squishy dumpling toys that have appeared on the market following the popularity of the original designs. Earlier this month, Swansea Council urged parents to throw away dumpling-shaped squishies that smelled strongly of chemicals similar to petrol. Testing of counterfeit versions reportedly found volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including Ethyl Benzene, Styrene, and different forms of Xylene, all of which may raise health concerns if present at unsafe levels. Glasgow City Council Trading Standards officers also removed nearly 6,000 similar toys from a warehouse after concerns they could contain harmful substances. Officials stressed that products giving off strong chemical odors or missing proper labeling should be treated with caution.
Trading Standards officers continue to encourage shoppers to buy toys from trusted retailers and to carefully inspect packaging before making a purchase. Parents are also being advised to check whether their child’s toy is an authentic RMS product, as genuine versions include specific packaging details and safety information. Counterfeit versions often lack these details, making them harder to trace if a safety issue arises. Authorities say taking a few moments to examine labels, manufacturer information, and safety markings can help families avoid potentially unsafe products. If there is any doubt about a toy’s origin or quality, experts recommend stopping its use until it can be verified.
The latest official recall involves Squeezy Dumplings, a toy sold by Cardiff-based wholesaler Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd. Testing found that the toy’s outer layer contained 20 mg/kg of benzene, four times higher than the UK’s legal limit of 5 mg/kg. Benzene is a chemical used in products such as plastics and dyes, but excessive exposure may irritate the eyes, nose, throat, digestive system, and skin. The UK Health Security Agency also classifies benzene as a known carcinogen linked to certain forms of leukemia and potentially other cancers. Following these findings, the product has been officially recalled. Customers are advised to stop using the toy immediately, keep it away from children, and contact Samsons Cash and Carry Ltd for further guidance about the recall.
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