Popular Labubu-Style Toy Subject to Urgent Recall Over Serious Health Danger
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent product recall notice for a counterfeit version of the highly popular Labubu-style soft toy, citing a serious risk of choking that poses particular danger to young children. This action follows the seizure of more than 259,000 counterfeit toys at Britain's borders by October 2025, with the overwhelming majority being fake Labubu dolls.
Details of the Recalled Counterfeit Product
The recalled item is described as a green Labubu-style soft-filled toy with a spinning tail operated by a pull cord, standing approximately 17 centimetres high. According to the OPSS, the product presents a severe choking hazard because the keyring attachment and right foot can easily detach, creating small parts that fit entirely within a small parts cylinder.
"The small parts pose a choking hazard to young children, particularly those under 36 months of age who have a natural tendency to explore objects by placing them in their mouths," the OPSS stated. The agency confirmed that the product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, leading to its removal from sale by the local distributor.
Background on the Labubu Phenomenon and Counterfeit Market
Labubu toys, originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and licensed by POP MART, have become extremely popular collectibles in the designer toy market, embraced by both adults and children. Their viral popularity has attracted celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Olivia Attwood, making them a must-have accessory.
However, this popularity has spawned a significant counterfeit market. Many shoppers are drawn to these fake versions because they are often much cheaper and easier to obtain than official Labubu products. Helen Barnham, deputy director of enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, warned: "With counterfeit toys, what you see is rarely what you get. Behind the packaging can be hidden choking hazards, toxic chemicals and faulty parts that put children in real danger."
Extent of the Safety Problem and Official Warnings
Statistics reveal that 75% of the confiscated toys that failed safety checks contained prohibited chemicals and posed choking risks. Barnham emphasized that these counterfeit products have bypassed every safety check required by law, prompting coordinated efforts with partners to keep dangerous fakes out of UK homes.
The Intellectual Property Office has launched a 'Fake Toys, Real Harm' campaign to raise awareness among parents and gift buyers about the hidden dangers associated with counterfeits. "Child safety must come first, so we're urging parents – please don't let your child be the tester," Barnham added.
Practical Advice for Consumers
The Intellectual Property Office has outlined several red flags that shoppers should watch for when purchasing toys:
- Stick to trusted retailers or official brand websites and exercise caution with third-party sellers on online marketplaces.
- Check reviews carefully, looking beyond five-star ratings to read negative feedback.
- Be wary of prices that appear 'too good to be true', as counterfeits are often significantly cheaper than genuine products.
This recall underscores the critical importance of purchasing from reputable sources to ensure product safety and compliance with regulatory standards, protecting children from potentially life-threatening hazards.
