Several UK councils have issued a safety alert over trendy dumpling squishy toys, which have surged in popularity due to unboxing videos on TikTok and YouTube. These soft toys, often sold in 'blind boxes', have seen a rise in counterfeit versions that fail to meet health and safety standards.
Serious Concerns from Trading Standards
Trading Standards officers have voiced serious concern after uncovering toys with strong chemical smells, missing safety information, and inadequate labelling. Shoppers are warned to be wary of toys that emit strong odours, leak, appear suspiciously cheap, or lack CE or UKCA safety marks.
The Squishy Dumpling Craze
The latest toy sensation, Squishy Dumplings, made by RMS, has taken the market by storm with surprise reveals and a soft, squeezable texture. Combining the thrill of unboxing with sensory fidget appeal, they have sparked a collecting craze among children and enthusiasts.
However, soaring popularity has brought significant safety concerns. Counterfeit versions have been found to contain harmful chemicals and fall short of UK safety regulations. Trading Standards urge consumers to purchase from reputable retailers and ensure correct safety certification.
Rise of Counterfeit Products
The demand spike has triggered a flood of counterfeit products. These fake toys often lack adequate safety testing and may harbour harmful substances, putting children's health at risk. Some contain chemicals that breach safe limits, while others are poorly made and pose a choking hazard.
A worrying trend involves microwaving these toys to enhance their squidgy quality. This can cause materials to deteriorate, potentially releasing toxic fumes or causing burns.
Council Actions and Warnings
Glasgow City Council confiscated nearly 6,000 counterfeit squishy toys from a warehouse, warning they are extremely dangerous and can emit harmful chemical fumes. Aberdeen City Council issued a trading standards alert, urging checks for legal safety markings.
Swansea Council in Wales was among the first to raise the alarm after parents reported products with a petrol-like chemical smell. Testing revealed dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In England, Warrington Borough Council, Trafford Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council have all issued warnings.
Key Safety Hazards Identified
- Toxic chemicals: Fakes contain hazardous substances like formaldehyde, solvents, phthalates, and VOCs (styrene, xylene) causing nausea, headaches, skin irritation, and breathing issues.
- Choking and flammability: Many fakes split open easily, leaking unknown liquids or gels, and contain small parts that fail UK flammability and safety thresholds.
- Microwave trend: Councils strongly warn against heating these toys, as internal gel superheats and can burst onto a child's face.
- Missing markings: Dangerous versions lack CE or UKCA safety marks, age guidance, or a valid UK importer address.
Parents and gift buyers are urged to shop only from trusted retailers, verify safety certifications, and ensure toys display CE or UKCA marks, proper English labelling, and come from well-established manufacturers.
