Consumer experts at Which? have urged parents to check whether their children own imitation Squeezy Dumpling toys, after unbranded batches were found to contain dangerously high levels of benzene. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has issued an urgent recall for some products, which fail basic UK toy safety regulations and could pose serious health risks.
Popular Sensory Toy Under Scrutiny
Squeezy Dumplings are squishy sensory toys shaped like bao buns, often sold in small bamboo steamer baskets. They have become a playground phenomenon this year, driven by blind packaging and trading among children. However, Which? reported that imitation versions flooding the market may contain hazardous chemicals, including benzene, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
In an Instagram post, Which? stated: "These squeezy collectables have taken over playgrounds this year. Their blind packaging leads to surprise reveals and kids trading them at school. So, even if you know yours is genuine, it is best to check that your child hasn't brought another home in a swap that could be risking their health."
Fake Versions Sold at Premium Prices
So-called 'rare' versions filled with glitter are being sold online for over £20, with many fakes exploiting the trend. Investigations found that some imitation brands contained excess benzene, and others had strong chemical smells or water beads inside. Trading Standards has confiscated unbranded or imitation Squeezy Dumplings due to non-compliance with toy safety regulations.
What to Check Before Buying
Which? advises purchasing only from reputable retailers such as The Entertainer, Smyths Toys, B&M, and The Range, where official Squeezy Dumplings start at £4.99. Parents should look for the CE or UKCA logo on packaging, indicating the toy has passed safety assessments. Additionally, the name and address of a UK-based manufacturer should be present. Which? warned: "No address means that no one's accountable if something goes wrong."
Finally, trust your nose: if the toy smells strongly of chemicals straight out of the packet, do not buy it. For full details, see the GOV.UK Product Safety Report on recent recalls.
