Half a million potentially dangerous 'squishy' toys have been seized at Heathrow Airport in just two months, according to officials. Trading Standards officers from Hillingdon Council intercepted the toys, which resemble dumplings, as they attempted to enter the UK. The toys have surged in popularity this year, particularly among children, prompting safety warnings from councils over health risks linked to a rise in counterfeit and replica versions.
Trading Standards Action at Heathrow
A spokesperson for Hillingdon Council stated: 'Heathrow Airport is a gateway for goods entering the UK, and we’re proud to play a leading role in protecting consumers. As part of this work, our Trading Standards officers have been carrying out targeted checks on squishy toys at Heathrow. In the past two months, the council has seized 500,000 squishy toys. Many are similar in design and lack proper labelling and traceability information.'
Safety Concerns Identified
Officers conducted assessments on the seized toys. Some were found to emit a strong chemical smell, requiring further tests to determine the cause. While most samples complied with toy safety requirements aside from labelling defects, some failed to meet expected microbiological standards for the liquid contained within. This poses a safety risk if the toy ruptures and liquid is exposed. Additionally, certain toys featured copyright infringements, such as Starbucks-branded cubes that were not manufactured or endorsed by the coffee chain. One such item was seized during a recent shop inspection in the borough.
Importance of Proper Labelling
The council emphasized: 'The main issue is the absence of clear details of a responsible UK-based business and the correct UKCA or CE safety markings, making it hard to verify compliance and take action. Products without this information may not meet required safety standards and should be handled with care. If damage or leaking occurs, they should not be used and any liquid released should be washed off immediately.'
