South Tyneside Council has issued a safety alert over potentially dangerous squishy toys after trading standards officers seized more than 1,500 counterfeit items on sale in the borough.
The council is warning the public and retailers about the popular gel-filled fidget toys and the growing influx of fakes being sold through online marketplaces and local shops.
Squishy toys can be squeezed into various shapes by hand before returning to their original form, with the toys said to aid relaxation, concentration and sensory play.
Safety Concerns and Chemical Risks
Reports presented to councillors in recent months revealed that some toys currently on sale are in breach of the law, frequently failing health and safety checks, lacking the required safety warnings and, in certain cases, posing chemical risks capable of causing irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
A recent report to the council's licensing and regulatory committee noted that officers were also alarmed by a dangerous online trend encouraging children to microwave these toys, raising concerns that the products may burst, potentially resulting in burns and injuries.
Seizures and Retailer Visits
In just one week, more than 1,500 counterfeit squishy toys were confiscated from retailers across South Tyneside, with additional seizures taking place across the north east and throughout the UK.
Following the confiscation, the council has pressed ahead with visits to retailers to deliver safety guidance and remove any additional fake products from shelves.
Councillor Karen Pittuck, the council's cabinet member for highways, neighbourhoods and community safety, stated that protecting residents from potentially hazardous products forms a crucial part of the work undertaken by the local authority's Trading Standards team.
She added: "The seizure of more than 1,500 counterfeit squishy toys in just one week shows why this work matters."
"Officers acted quickly to remove potentially unsafe products from sale, advise retailers and make families aware of the risks."
Advice for Parents and Retailers
The council has advised that genuine squishy toys, including viral dumpling toys or memory-foam style fidgets, can be identified by their high-quality material, safety labelling, and exact branding. Officers noted that counterfeits are frequently hollow, sticky, and smell strongly of chemicals, while real ones are dense, safe, and pleasant to hold.
The Chartered Trading Standards Institute has provided guidance for anyone uncertain about whether a squishy toy is genuine or a fake. This encompasses purchasing from trusted retailers, steering clear of unfamiliar online sellers or third-party vendors on marketplace listings, and looking out for spelling errors or other warning signs.
The item's packaging should be written in English, feature a product identifier or model number, a UK-based contact and address, a UKCA or CE mark confirming it has passed safety checks, and relevant safety warnings regarding potential choking hazards or harmful ingredients.
Members of the public are further urged to "beware of prices that seem too good to be true."
