A child has been rushed to A&E after being stabbed with a syringe that came as part of a squishy toy set, prompting a probe into the products.
An investigation has been launched over ‘stress relief’ toys, also known as fidget toys, marketed online that come with needles to inject bubbles or inflate the products. The Telegraph reported at least one child was sent to A&E after being stabbed in the hand while playing with a ‘pimple popper’ squishy toy.
Minister confirms investigation
Kate Dearden MP, the minister for consumer protection, said her department was investigating. ‘I know parents will be deeply concerned by them, which is why my department is actively investigating this issue,’ she said.
Kerry Nicol, of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said: ‘When a product that is very much aimed at children comes with a needle and syringe, something has gone seriously wrong. Children are being exposed to unnecessary risks because dangerous products can too easily enter the UK market through third-party sellers.’
Online sales and international warnings
The Telegraph reported being able to order several toys that came with needles, including one toy that came with a 5ml medical syringe from a third-party seller on Amazon. The toy came with no age restrictions or warnings.
Officials in Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan have issued warnings over similar toys. Katrina Phillips OBE, the chief executive of the Child Accident Prevention Trust, added: ‘Online marketplaces should have the same duty of care as the shops on our high streets.’
Previous recalls over choking hazards
The latest issue comes after nearly 37,000 squishy toys were recalled due to a deadly ingestion hazard. ABC Trading was forced to recall its Squishy Dumpling Toys and Crazy Squib Ball Toys because the toys can expand and could cause choking if swallowed.
Previously, OKK Trading recalled about 7,200 of its Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys because of choking hazards.
